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Newbieville© Copyright Darrell Anderson. I have shared why I personally have not fully migrated to GNU/Linux. I won’t rehash those comments here, but instead I’ll share why I think GNU/Linux still is not ready for prime time. I base my observations upon watching other people who use computers and definitely are not tech-savvy. Additionally, I base my observations on reading thousands of discussion group threads—mostly while looking for my own solutions, but often merely from my own curiosity while searching for my answers. I have been using computers for more than two decades and as a technical writer for almost as long, I have learned a thing or two about usability. I have lost count how many times I have read responses that a new user should compile source code or recompile a kernel. That single observation alone indicates that GNU/Linux is riddled with usability problems that the typical user cannot resolve. Typical users expect that all the software is preloaded and preconfigured and that only a nominal amount of additional information is required to perform expected computer tasks. I have lost count how many times I have read articles on installing GNU/Linux software and the first part of the piece discusses how to compile and use makeconfig. I have lost count how many new users cannot get the X graphical environment working and users are told to manually edit configuration files. The problem seems especially acute with LCD and laptop users. I have lost count how many new users cannot get connected to internet without frustration and swearing. I have lost count how many new users want to network their home computers only to be told to run obscure commands and scripts to configure their boxes when the typical user knows only how to point-and-click. I have lost count how many new users seek to run GNU/Linux in a dual or multi-boot environment and yet not a single GNU/Linux graphical tool exists that easily automates the partitioning process without the user needing to graduate from Geek University. I have lost count how many new users struggle with configuring their sound cards. I have lost count how many new users cannot connect or use their legacy parallel port scanners. I have lost count how many people look for a simple point-and-click interface to configure a scanner. I have lost count how many new users want to configure their printers and are puzzled when instead of using a familiar Control Panel applet they are instructed to use a browser and have to type passwords and login as root. I have lost count how many new users become totally confused and panicked when they are told to learn to use vi or emacs and that no console-based editor exists that supports well-known GUI conventions. I have lost count how many new users want to run Windows programs and are instructed to download and compile WINE—software that needs a lot of computer savvy to install and configure. Recently I read about a “writer’s distro.” Being a technical writer, I was curious but I had a sense of what I was going to find. Sure enough, the default writing tool is Lyx. I sighed and continued surfing elsewhere. Typical computer users, especially writers, are not going to learn Lyx. Period. End of discussion. Some fan-boys and die-hards will argue the real problem is that Windows people are stupid or lazy. I disagree. Many people cannot repair a dishwasher, a car, or their lawn mower. Most people are not all-around handymen let alone skilled to build a house. Many people cannot change the oil in their car. Is this a commentary on their intelligence or energy? No, only that all people are ignorant in most subjects and that only a relative few are less ignorant. I am less ignorant about computers than many people, but concurrently more ignorant than others. Computers are tools, and what fan-boys and die-hards fail to understand or refuse to admit is that most people do not want to become scholars in how computers work, they merely want to use computers as tools. GNU/Linux has matured incredibly in the past few years, but stability and usability remain elusive. I’ve been around computers for more than two decades and GNU/Linux frustrates me in many ways, although I possess the skills and experience to eventually punch my way out of most of the proverbial paper bags I find. The typical computer user does not. Nor should they be expected to. Much like any tool or vocation, there is a significant minority of people who become experts and understand how things tick underneath. Most people are subject matter experts in only one or perhaps two subjects. Most people have chosen to not become experts in what is under a computer’s hood. Point. Click. Simple words that many within the GNU/Linux effort still do not comprehend or accept. Finis. |
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