[K12OSN] ummmm...RHPWS?

[Les Mikesell]

On Mon, 2004-03-01 at 08:02, Jim Kronebusch wrote:

> No offense to Linux, I do think it is awesome, especially from where it
> was a few years ago.  But I still don't think I could throw it in front
> of my Mom for a everyday home computer and not get some calls the first
> time she tries to install an application (missing dependancies, how to
> add shorcuts, etc.).

Is your Mom available for help with windows problems?  I need to
reinstall a box that originally came with 21 CDs and I've added
several new devices and programs so I know it is going to involve
inserting 30 cd's in exactly the right order, looking up about 10
installation key codes, and rebooting at least 50 times.

> That is the "polish" to which I refer.  Microsoft
> has made it very easy for stupid people to own a computer (of course
> maybe we would all be better off if they didn't), it still would be
> tough for those people to switch.

They made it easy by forcing the PC vendors to pre-install so the
end users aren't exposed to the horrors.

>   A couple examples are setting up dual
> monitors or loading a DVD player, I will bet that with both of those
> tasks you will have the better part of an afternoon shot with Linux, MS
> about 20 minutes (A beginner, not savvy Linux user).  

That depends on how long it takes you to find the checkbox that
says you want dual monitors in the fedora X setup.  With DVD's
a better comparison would be when you add the second one or
trade brands when the crippled software that comes with it
only supports the brand it is supplied with as a ploy to force
you to buy the full version.

'yum install ...' seems pretty nice by comparison.

---
  Les Mikesell
   les at futuresource.com