>This is also why I tell people that 'nix is not for everyone. There
>are a *lot* of people who live in some combination of a mail client,
>web client, word processor, spreadsheet, graphics manipulator, etc.,
>and whose entire use of the machine is simply to run applications.
>They don't provide services; they don't run multi-user; they just
>want to work on specific tasks.
>I tell those people to get a Mac: they can install and configure the
>software themselves; they can handle their own sysadmin tasks; and
>they'll find it much harder to shoot themselves in the foot than
>with other platforms.
>
>I suspect that in 1-2 years I'll be able to point them to a Linux
>distribution which approaches this ease-of-use and for which the
>appropriate applications are available. *And* which still retains
>all the features of Linux that make it a technically superior
>operating system.
One other good thing about Macs (especially for newbies and computing
neophytes), is that since the OS does exctly what you ask it to do, the
overall end user experience is positive which allows the user to enjoy
technology and the productivity gains that come with it.
I had my 2 macs for two years before I got my two PC's. I spent about 60
days "learning '95 and NT, then moved to RH 4.2, and now 5.0. I must say
that although the RH installation process does require the user to
understand various aspects of a system's configuration (network
variables, X-windows configuration etc. etc.) it is well within the realm
of an average user's abilities (hey, if I the Mac maniac can configure
the system, ANYBODY with the will to see it through and to RTFM can do
it).
Also, there is NOTHING worse than trying to install 95 when the system is
convinced you have a certain video card (or network or sound card), and
you actually have a different one. It will do everything it can to
prevent you from correcting the driver, and will actually overrride what
you tell it. it's tmes like those that you wish Bill gates would knock on
your door, so you could wring his BONY NECK. In my opinion, '95 can be
one of the most FRUSTRATING technology-based tools that an end-user can
use when it wants to be stubborn and hateful. Frankly, its a wonder that
anybody whose first experience with a computer is with '95 would want to
try any other systems, since the 'world' is convinced it's the 'best' OS
out there.
We are working against literally millions of technology spin doctors
whose livelihood is completely derived from kneeling at the 'Gates'
altar, and I believe the best way to convert people to Linux (and the Mac
:-)) is to know MORE about their OS's than they do. If you approach
people about Linux from the perspective that 'Hey I know plenty about '95
and NT, but guess what?? I found a BETTER OS, with just as many
applications and more power than '95/NT, and guess what, it's free. I'll
be glad to help you set it up. And also you can still have '95/NT on your
computer and use them whenever you want to.'
I don't think that ranting and raving will win as many converts as
approaching them from the "expert power base," which is the most
effective leadership method (sorry the B.S. in management is talking
there)
Enough said.......
Dale
Dale Leonard
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