Linked by John Munsch on Mon 30th Dec 2002 19:05 UTC
Why do it? I am asked this question more often than I expected, even by existing Linux users who I expected to know as well as I the reasons for building a next-generation desktop Linux for the home user. So here are some of my reasons for thinking that we must spend the effort to create a better desktop on Linux than any existing version now has. Editor's Note: Due to a technical glitch, the first segment of this article was ommitted for some readers. If you missed the "why" section, before, you can read it now.
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My parents run Windows XP, and the most they use is a scanner, which is supported by Linux. Here is a clear up:
I loaded up XP for my parents last year. They have successfully:
1) Played music and ripped MP3's.
People don't rip MP3s. Ask Joe and Jane, and they wouldn't have a clue what you're talking about. My mother puts in her Seekers (its an Australia "feel good" music group from the 1970's). She doesn't give a toss about Mp3, ogg, wma or what ever tla you can throw at her. She wants to listen to her music and type letters and check email.
The only people I know who are into Mp3's are teenagers, who have the knowledge to use what is available on Linux already. If you say to me that someone can't use GRIP, then god help them, because I don'y know a program easier than that, which rips and compresses whilst playing the CD.
2) Installed a printer.
what is so hard with loading up KDE Admin? or better yet, my brother, who I have setup with FreeBSD 4.7 simply clicks on a short cut, and it taken directly to http://localhost:631 so he can see the printing progress. As for setting up printers, he was able to do it himself using the wizard that comes with CUP's. He is happy that is computer now doesn't freeze when compiling papers for his University entrace assignments.
3) Attached a digital camera and printed photos.
Again, the majority of people you parents age don't use Digital Camera's, even so, wouldn't it be easier to hook up the camera to the printer and bypass all the download, open and print crap all together?
4) Got on the internet and successfully used multiple internet apps.
Can do that with Linux already. All the person has to do is make sure that Java is installed, which, since most people don't install the OS, they get the same person who installs the PCI card or what ever, they're the ones who setup and install the OS.
5) Installed and used multiple apps, and some games.
Can be easily done in FreeBSD. I've already taught my brother how to use /stand/sysinstall and the portage system. btw, my brother has no computing background, his main forte is Chemistry. Same situation for my sister who is at university who is majoring in Art History and English. She is able to do all what my brother can.