[Linux4christians] notes from the front 2

[David Fierbaugh]

On Wednesday 22 June 2005 07:15 pm, Greg Martin wrote:
> My "they" reference is to those who join the continuing chorus of "hate
> MS/love Linux/everyone should switch".  For the average PC user, there
> is nothing to switch to.  IMO, Linux still requires too high a skill
> level for entry.
>

As a consultant who deals with both businesses and home users, I have to 
completely agree. Linux requires too high a skill level for the average PC 
user today. That being said, Windows requires to high a skill level for the 
average PC user, if that weren't the case, I'd not be making money off of 
them for EXTREMELY simple and easy to avoid problems. That being said, most 
VCRs require too high a skill level... so do most digital watches.... even 
most pocket watches.  

The average computer user does not have any skills to speak of. I hate saying 
that, in fact I resent having to say it, but years upon years have convinced 
me of that.

I've lost track of the number of times I've cleaned up a windows box, and 
installed antivirus software on it. Only to come back in six months when they 
call me because they haven't followed the very simple directions on updating 
virus definitions.

In most of these cases, it's far simpler to install linux, because they have a 
harder time breaking it.

As to installations-
People keep telling me how they installed windows easier than linux. Further 
questioning usually shows all they did was drop in a recovery cd that ghosted 
the hard drive back to original config and didn't actually install anything. 
People who build boxes from scratch, and then install windows see that it's 
no easier to install from scratch than some distros of linux (suse, mandriva, 
redhat, etc).

There are still situations where I don't recommend linux over windows, but 
usually those are because of proprietary solutions that a business has to use 
(ie- an insurance company that has to use a windows based client to interact 
with a parent company's server.) These are not the average user who just use 
an email client, a web browser, and occasionally an office suite.

It's all still down to personal preference. If someone likes windows enough to 
deal with it's problems, then let them have it. I keep it around for when I 
have to use with a client.

For anyone who's simply tired of windows and all it's problems, then go linux, 
and deal with it's own problems.

No one will accurately describe linux administration as easy for the average 
user. But anyone saying that about windows is equally delusional. I'm not 
saying that because I'm biased, but because I've been living off the profits 
from it being true. The average user is neither capable of administering 
windows or linux.

> I believe Linux will succeed when when it is as easy to install and use
> as Windows and the "marketing" message moves to "Linux is better" from
> "MS sucks".