Note: This column represents the opinions
of the writer and as such, is not purported as fact
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Linux is incredibly fashionable right now isn't it?
One can't help but get the feeling that, at least in some circles, if you're
not using Linux then you're considered nothing but a Microsoft toady.
The list of significant Linux users seems to be growing on an almost hourly
basis, with governments, major corporations, schools and just about every
one else making the switch or talking about doing so.
But just how practical is it for "joe average" computer user to jump from
the comparative calm and safety of the Microsoft ship, into the turbulent
and unfamiliar waters that are the myriad of different Linux implementations
and applications?
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Updated 2-Dec-2002
This is one occasion when I don't feel qualified to make any judgement, since
my familiarity with Unix-like operating systems stretches right back to
the early 1980s. Obviously, given this legacy, it becomes rather difficult
for me to approach a shift to Linux with the same perspectives and lack of
knowledge that "joe average" would have.
I have noticed however, that Linux implementations such as Red Hat do a
fair job of automating the installation process, recognising most of the
hardware and simply requiring the user to answer some very basic questions.
It's only when something goes wrong that first-time Linux users might
find themselves pulling their hair out -- and therein lies the problem.
When "joe average" gets his new PC loaded with Windows and strikes a problem
he can simply call his dealer, or even Microsoft, and get all the support he needs
(albeit for a price in some cases).
What's a Linux user to do?
Oh yes, he could log onto the Net and use any of the massive array of
websites, newsgroups, online forums or other resources to be found there --
but that's not much good if your modem won't install eh?
Now once you've got things successfully installed and are using a desktop that
looks strikingly familiar to Windows you might think your worries are over -- but
chances are they're not.
Installing a new piece of software is sometimes fraught with confusing
procedures and terminology. What does a newbie Linux user do when, part way
through an install, their computer starts bitching about library versions
or some other cryptic message appears?
Go back on-line and learn about tar, grep, RPMs and a raft of other
utilities? Try to find, download and install the missing modules?
Make cryptic changes to the basic system configuration files?
Of course some Linux vendors have done a pretty fair job of protecting customers from
much of this frightening stuff and perhaps the epitome of "shrink wrapped" Linux
is Lindows, a package designed to provide
maximum "comfort" for former Windows users.
However, the truth remains that Linux is not (yet) as user-friendly as Windows which,
for many "joe average" users, represents a major problem.
It's very easy for Linux-enthusiasts to forget that, to the vast majority
of PC users, "awk" is not a utility program, it's simply the first three
letters of the word "awkward".
Now I'm certain I'm going to get a raft of emails from people saying that
I'm overstating the problem and that their favourite flavour of Linux
installs perfectly on all hardware with just a few mouse-clicks, and that
the procedure for installing new applications is equally as simple.
Yes, they're probably right -- 90% of the time. The big problem with Linux
is what happens when things don't go right.
Windows is no better but it doesn't frighten people with cryptic messages --
it soothes them with really dumbed-down ones that tell you virtually nothing,
and do it in language that even an eight-year-hold can understand.
Perhaps the key to Linux's future success on the desktop is to assume all
users are idiots. It works for Microsoft!
Please share your experiences as a first-time Linux user.
Was installation a piece of cake? Are programs a breeze to install? Have you
ever found yourself flummoxed by a cryptic error message? What could be
done to improve things?
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