>>> On Tue, Nov 15, 2005 at 7:08 am, in message
<20051115120802.57294.qmail@web60211.mail.yahoo.com>,
ka_winter@yahoo.com
wrote:
<> snip>
>
>> > I agree. It **ALL** depends on the user. Let's
>> face it, most people
>> > in this world are not computer "experts". They
>> have other jobs to do
>> > and they will choose tools that makes their jobs
>> easier, not more of a
>> > PITA.
>
> </snip>
> <2nd snip>But most Linux
>> support comes like
>> the Slug list for the obvious reason that the GPL
>> causes diversity in
>> programming.
>
> </2snip>
>
>
> I am on the board of directors of two computer clubs
> in NE florida. I have done presentations on Linux to
> both clubs and even newbies have responded with
> interest. But the problem is this 1) no one with the
> time to both install linux for a brand new newbie and
> then hold their hand on it and 2) even the forums and
> mailing lists do not provide the level of support
> people need.
>
> I had such problems with my first distro (Knoppix,
> install was easy, maintaining it became a nightmare)
> that I had an IT friend come over and help me install
> Ubuntu (after three tries alone) He was here for four
> hours straightening out issues with hardware and at
> the end of it he was laughing hysterically and saying
> "are you sure Linux isn't ready for primetime?" Four
> weeks into my Ubuntu experience apt- get started
> spewing out LOCALE errors and other issues arose. I
> posted the errors on four forums and this list and
> received no helpful answers. (On the Ubuntu forums
> there were a number of us screaming politely for help)
> Now I am trying to decide whether to install SUSE
> after a different local Linux IT guy failed after 14
> hours of effort to get Debian to install and work. In
> spite of being an enthusiastic computer user who is
> not afraid of the command line I have to say I would
> not be using Linux if I did not enjoy how bizarre this
> experience has been. I can show people the cool
> features of my desk top, convince them that free and
> free of spyware and viruses is good, I can teach them
> to prefer the gimp to photoshop but if I can't even
> (with help) get one stable distro running on my
> computer, why would they want it?
>
> I'm persistent, I'll keep trying. The average human
> being would have a life and want to go live it :)
>
the hardware experience you mentioned is quickly becoming a non-issue.
For instance...several versions back of SUSE Linux would not install on
my monster dell 4350 without some effort....SUSE 10.0 installed within
minutes with NO issues. Linux in general is creating a huge market just
as windows DID...and the ISV's and IHV's are on board.
JP
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