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.
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If this guy was a consultant, would you hire him? I sure as Hell wouldn't, let's take people for the most part have no signinficant computing experience and build them a Linux box! Real smart! Let's not consider what they will actually be using the computer for and what software they need, let's just get them on Linux because it is not Microsoft. What complete crap!! I don't particularly care for Microsoft either, but I am not going to make my wife, daughter, or anyone else use Solaris or AIX (what I use)because I don't like Microsoft! What I learned in the Navy is "the best tool for the job", and in this case Linux is not it! I certanly hope this guy has tons of free time, because he is going to need it to "help them along" through all of the problems they are going to have!
This guy is an example of what is wrong with Linux, another zealot who is more concerned with what he thinks is best and not concerned at all with what the people he is trying to help actually need. I am willing to bet that in 6 months these people will be wanting to skin this idiot alive because the "Linux box" will not do what they need!
If I was doing this I would ask pertinent questions like "what software do you need" and "what kind of printing will you be doing" and tailor a "solution", not just dump a box with Linux on it and say "here you go". And I take it the 6 year old is going to start compiling applications from source for the ones they can't get packages for?
I spent 25 years as a professional photographer before I got into IT, and just because I used Nikons did not mean everybody that asked me about cameras should get a Nikon. The same applies with Linux, just because some of you use Linux does not mean everybody has to. Let's drop the personal preferences and actually focus on what "the client" actually needs!
I would have asked them a series of questions and tailored a "solution" around their requirements and budget. Take them to computer stores and show them Windows XP, OSX and let them tell me what they like and don't like! Notice I do not mention Linux here, these people are going to be mainstream computer users, not CompSci students. And what about the kids, what are they going to use for software. I bet when the parents go to BestBuy, CompUSA, etc. they are going to be bowled over by the amount of software for Linux.
This guy did those people a disservice, and you Linux zealots can flame me until the cows come home, it is still not going to change the fact this guy did the wrong thing! I use Unix and Windows, each has their place. And considering the discussions I have read about "Linux not ready for the desktop", this should definitely apply here!