"My verdict: Even in the relatively slick Ubuntu variation, Linux is still too rough around the edges for the vast majority of computer users",
says Mossberg. Among others, he complains about one of the things I did too when I was writing my stream of Ubuntu reviews back in Spring.
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Member since:2005-07-06
No, he went about his trial exactly how it should have been; from the perspective of someone who does not know the limitations. Linux cannot progress if it has a continual list of limitations that people are expected to know.
Maybe it's just the techy in me that looks at a product before ordering (ok he didn't order, but still) - the same can be said for ordering a PC with Vista, or an OSX Apple machine - I'd expect to do a little research to understand what I'm spending my hard earned on. I think I'd probably do the same if I was loaned an expensive laptop for a while 
Member since:2007-03-29
Of course we would. But who never has any similar problem with Windows? Especially this kind of problem... Let's talk about the X configuration, complicated sound problems, video editing softwares if you really want to talk about SERIOUS problems. Those are just the everyday little problems of every OS. I can write the same article about XP or Vista honestly. Or the same article explaining that Ubuntu is nicer to use than Vista, based on a few nicely chosen examples.
That's a bit too short to me, sorry. I think people go beyond the first look, they are not stupid, he says it. So they know you will need some time to use a new system. But I'm confident most of them can simply do it.
Member since:2005-11-10
You can write an article, but the fact of the matter is that Dell sells 99.9% Windows PCs for a living. They could not replace that with Linux tomorrow, without finding that Linux was totally and wholly inadequate for that size of crowd (and computer skill level). Their support systems would collapse under the weight of calls about "hardware faults" that were really ACPI-driver bugs, and "I can't play MP3s".
Member since:2005-07-06
I can see where you're coming from, but...
How about instead of trying to MATCH windows, trying to BE windows, trying to always win in comparisons with windows in every single way...
Why not EXCEED people's expectations. That's the only way MS is going lose any signifigant market share!
By winning, hands down. Being better in so many ways people make an effort to switch, or it makes big news and makes it into joe consumer's mindshare.
Member since:2006-09-21
If you reread the (poor) review, you may notice that these shortcomings are not linux's. They are about proprietary content formats (mp3,dvd with css) or proprietary devices (ipod) that require some effort to be used to circumvent legal limitations.
The current legislation worldwide is protects corporate interests, not users.
That's, IMO, the shortcoming.
I don't think we'll see elected people representatives push for legislation that helps free software.
That won't happen when voters are media influenced and media are just corporate money making machines ...
Member since:2005-08-31
that is totally irrelevant outside the small geek community. Maybe people understand this, but they will not accept it if it limit the things they can do, especially when it was working before.
People want something that work. end.
It's like your fridge was cooling only bio food in respect to the political point of view of the maker.
If you can't provide something, give solutions not excuses. mp3 converter? dvd alternative (what?? are we screw!)
What make a poor review is not related to the fact that someone like the arguments.
Member since:2006-09-01
"They are about proprietary content formats (mp3,dvd with css) or proprietary devices (ipod) that require some effort to be used to circumvent legal limitations.
The current legislation worldwide is protects corporate interests, not users."
I agree with you on the incompatibility problems being due to proprietary software. One would think, though, that Canonical would take steps to correct that, like buy some licenses for those codecs since I'm assuming they're getting some money from Dell. I mean is it really that big of a deal to buy some licenses and create a package that they can sell to OEMs? Give them the OS for free, but charge them $20-25 for a non-free codec pack making everything legal.
It should be noted that Automatix solves the codec problem. I'm not sure how to solve the ipod problem as I don't buy mp3s players that aren't UMS devices.
Maybe we should create a political action committee, take some donations, and hire a lobbyist.
Member since:2006-05-12
Member since:2005-07-06
No, he went about his trial exactly how it should have been; from the perspective of someone who does not know the limitations. Linux cannot progress if it has a continual list of limitations that people are expected to know.
Exactly. This has been my thought since the beginning of using Linux for me. How's it going to improve if all you have to go by for improvements are a bunch of geeks that know how to work around its quirks?
Member since:2007-07-01
I don't agree. I don't think the goal of the Dell Linux deal is to get normal user feedback, but to extend the range of users interested. If we can agree that two of Linux's main setbacks from being a viable alternative are support from hardware vendors and a lack of gaming support, this is not going to change until there is a large enough userbase for those companies to make the platform a priority. Linux is not going to just one day be "ready" to be unleashed to the general public, and if Dell marketed Ubuntu like that now, there would be more people who would try it, get aggravated, and never go back. Dell's marketing Ubuntu to “advanced users and tech enthusiasts”, which IMO is the right strategy. These are people who may not have used *nix's in the past, and may not have previously been in the Linux demographic, but are also aware that it's not ready. But by extending the user base and shipping it through a major provider it's a step in the right direction to getting the support from third party vendors, which IMO is the goal of the Dell agreement much moreso than trying to pass it off as a windows replacement at this time.
Member since:
2005-11-10
No, he went about his trial exactly how it should have been; from the perspective of someone who does not know the limitations. Linux cannot progress if it has a continual list of limitations that people are expected to know.
Would you be disappointed if your car's Stereo didn't work every second time you started the car, and you go back to the salesman and he tells you that 'you should have known that limitation before ordering'.
Linux will only progress by admitting bluntly to any shortcomings, and addressing them. Mark Shuttleworth seems to have his head firmly screwed on, unlike RMS.