Linked by Charles Williams on Mon 7th Apr 2003 03:17 UTC
We have all heard the horror stories of how GNU/Linux is difficult, if not almost impossible, as far as general desktop usability is concerned. In particular, there seems to be a continuous stream of gripes printed across the Internet, from Microsoft Windows users who wish, or have tried, to migrate to GNU/Linux, yet gave up in frustration. But what happens when complete computer newbies are introduced to GNU/Linux? By computer newbies, I am referring to those who have no computer experience whatsoever, in either a Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix or other environment.
Permalink for comment
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Seriously, I hope it works out for them using Linux. I've found that people can actually adapt pretty well to operating systems, even non-geeks. My parents have used MacOS, Linux, and WinXP, and never seem to have any major problems with the changes.
However, your mileage may vary. The biggest problem I've run into in trying to get people to use alternate Operating Systems is hardware support. While Linux and most free systems support name brand hardware, lesser known brand drivers are hard to come buy. I don't think I have ever seen a system that was completely Linux-proof. Every single machine I have installed it on, including the one I'm posting from, has had at least one piece of hardware that just flat-out wouldn't work. Unfortunately, I don't see this situation improving until Linux gets wider support from manufacturers.