A reader asks: Why is Linux still not as user friendly as the two other main OSes with all the people developing for Linux? Is it because it is mainly developed by geeks?
My initial feeling when reading this question was that it was kind of a throwaway, kind of a slam in disguise as a genuine question. But the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I felt. There truly are a large amount of resources being dedicated to the development of Linux and its operating system halo (DEs, drivers, apps, etc). Some of these resources are from large companies (IBM, Red Hat, Novell). Why isn't Linux more user-friendly? Is this an inherent limitation with open source software?
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Member since:1997-10-01
I said that one reason that Linux is the way that it is (and I don't say that it's bad at all -- in fact, the gist of my conclusion about Linux is "Linux makes a very powerful tool, and its flexibility and stability can even make it a superior tool. But Linux suffers from the same problems as Windows when it comes to obscure or poorly-built hardware or software, and problems with troubleshooting and advanced configuration can likewise be difficult for non-expert users."
I'm not sure that you read my article, because I really don't think it's a rant.
Member since:2006-09-12
First thank you for answering, second I apologize I had indeed not read your article.
Articles questioning the fitness of Linux for a particular purpose have become tiresome and annoying. They usually focus on needs of a specific user (the author, mostly) and how Linux fails to provide; Usually coupled to a comparison to OS X or Windows. It's not so much how or why they were written, but rather the way in which they are presented.
After reading your article, I admit I failed to follow my own advice "Don't just assume." :-) It wasn't really a "Linux disappointed me" article, but I have the impression you only had a few points to make:
1. Linux is only "user-friendly" if the user is a "geek" because mostly geeks use Linux and only develop software they need.
2. Complex tasks will not be easy at first (or ever).
3. Sometimes you have to learn/train to be good at a task
4. People are lazy and complain a lot.
I don't see anything to discuss here, though. To me these are very obvious observations about Life in general (2, 3, 4) and the FOSS culture (1).
Still, I question it being presented here in this way. You seek some form of communication and discussion, but I'm not so sure whether this is the right place or not. A mailing list or forum would be a much better place to start a discussion.
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Member since:
2006-09-12
To author:
I'm a GNU/Linux user and I find my GNU/Linux installation to be just as friendly as I need or want it. I'm not an elitist, neither am I a zealot, and I don't hate Microsoft either.
GNU/Linux does not need fixing, it's not broken. It needs development since it's not done yet (and never will be?). And guess what, development is happening even if you aren't seeing it!
Do not assume that $some_user == $other_user. Do not assume $your_need == $somebodies_need. Just don't assume, mkay?
To osnews:
Please stop posting rants as articles, thank you!