On 04/04/2011 10:06 AM, Dmitry E. Oboukhov wrote: > There is only one thing that can be used without reading a manual. It > is a breast. All the other devices (and things, substances, etc) > required to be studied.
While this paraphrase of a familiar quote may be applicable when taken in context (in reference to user interfaces) it is not applicable here. Some *basic* familiarity with computer user interfaces is, of course, needed to use Debian. If you can type on a keyboard, know how to use a mouse to click icons, know what menus and folders are, how to start programs from menus and icons, well, I think you're off to a good start. That stuff, unlike the nipple, is all learned. The point is, assuming at least basic familiarity with computers, no user should be *unable* to use Debian without having to first read a manual! They should be able to boot a Debian system and right away start using it productively. Inability to connect to a (often wireless, these days) network is a show-stopper. Without a network, many users will not be able to accomplish *anything* on Debian. Now, NetworkManager seems to have delivered the goods, here, at least for the common use scenarios I typically see for new users. That's what makes it a good default. I say that without denying that for users comfortable with other methods, NM may be totally unsuitable, but I think for the majority of users, NM makes a better default. Ben -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-devel-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org Archive: http://lists.debian.org/4d99c521.6020...@sanctuary.nslug.ns.ca