I, for now, use PCLOS, but am a great admirer of Ubuntu and cannot just take it.
Here is an attempt to explain/reword the points in the above article.
- Technical Articles detail self explanatory or obvious things: Ubutnu is touted as the perfect desktop OS replacement for Windows. If it has to compete with Windows, Ubuntu has to provide equally easy ( or dumb, as you might say) documents. Lets check one of Microsoft document about setting up Windows Messenger. Here the document details the following topics
Windows Messenger system requirements Download Windows Messenger and set up a Passport Network account Before you start using Windows Messenger Windows Messenger setup Q&A For more informa
Now come on!! does a extremely simple task like setting a IM client requires such elaborate document, definitely not for me. However, M$ thinks otherwise. They are in this business since long, so if they believe that such docs are a must; Ubuntu better come up with similar docs for its users. - Technical writers skip technically complex topics: Ubuntu believes that using "command line" is meant only for advanced users and considers it at par with installing server applications like DNS/web servers etc. Clearly the target audience is an average user who is not bothered about the inside technical details and just wants to get the work done. I think that an average users would be interested in setting up wireless network, but equally disinterested in knowing about details of TCP/IP.
- Book authors assume that more technically inclined users would use Slackware or Debian instead of Ubuntu. Ubuntu provides a well balanced desktop OS and advanced users too feel at home. A huge number of Linux programmers actually code on Ubuntu ( no data to support this, just from my knowledge from various mailing lists ). However, Ubuntu provides a system that just works so some Linux enthusiasts might not find it challenging enough. Those people might choose a Gentoo, a Arch or a Slackware. These are just a matter of personal preference as there are instances of people changing from Ubuntu to Gentoo as well as Gentoo to Ubuntu.
- Non-CLI means low IQ: This is rather serious one and I strongly beg to differ. Its just a matter of ease. If someone is more comfortable and productive using GUI tools, whats the harm in it? I was in the state, when I totally believed that CLI is cool and the only way for geeks. I was so sure of CLI, that I started using emacs instead of Xemacs and boasted of how faster I can work with few key strokes instead of using mouse. With time I realized that even in Xemacs I can use the same keystrokes and have an additional benefit of using the mouse if required. CLI vs GUI is just an ongoing debate with strong feelings from both sides. Its like KDE vs Gnome, not to forget that Linus Torvalds himself advocates KDE.
Flames, rants, disagreement.......... Bring it on.
14 comments:
Abhay,
I understand your observation and I have read several articles that attempt to denigerate the use of Ubuntu. So I would like to throw some of my own observations:
* Not all computerdom is geekdom. Probably 95% of the user population is only worried about the following applications -- wordprocessing, spreadsheet, email, some graphics capability and access to the application to enter their payroll data. They could care elss about what OS they are running let alone what linux OS they use. So if Ubuntu has made that possible for Linux then more power to them. It is the very model that made M$ successful.
* For that last 5% who are geeky, what's not to love? Want to play command line all day, change your rc and initrd so it boots up command line only. Have at it. Seems odd that the same techies that ooh and aah about the internals of Debian turn their nose up at Ubuntu. Sheesh Ubuntu is a fork of Debian core with a pretty face.
* I wonder what the tech writers would think of Kubuntu? It's even more M$ like in look and feel. Which by the way the distro I use most of the time. If I want to go do some geeky techno weirdness I'll go play with Planet9, old VectorLinux distros or the like. But as far as paying the bills, it's down to getting the job done. Kubuntu gives me the ability to work in the GUI for the highlevel organizational stuff. When I need to get down I can pop up the shell and get gutsy. It's a good balance and I can do it all on a single machine.
John,
This is exactly the case with me. I have used and loved Kubuntu. In the past I have tried my hands at FreeBSD, Gentoo and Arch, but now I feel that a distro which helps me do basic task is better.
Currently I have another User Friendly or people can say Moron Friendly Distro, PCLinuxOS. I use it as my main development Box at home.
I wanted to run a web server and host my site on it, PCLOS has an very good ( Dummies ) document for it
Set up WebServer .
Now when I can do my stuff by following such easy documents, why do I need to go to some Geeky ditro and follow 10 page doc, just to perform the same function.
Seems that the writer of the original "Jem" noted that Ubuntu help books and articles were only about simple tasks then jumped to the conclusion that Ubuntu users were simple minded. Then he noted that these books and articles were primarily available where only techies would go. Good observation but he should have noted another trend, that of techies telling relatives and friends if you want help you must switch to Ubuntu (or another flavor of Linux or a Mac), if you keep Windows I won't come fix the virus and spyware laden mess you've made. Then they pick up a basic how to book for them to help in the transition.
In your model of the computing population (5% and 95%), I now probably fall in the 95%. I have to admit I am a Windows guy; but, the latest version (Vista) has me looking hard at Ubuntu. There are a two items with Ubuntu that annoy me. First is screen resolution and the second is wireless support. I have three computers in my office and to save space I use a KVM switch which seems to force the screen resolution on the Ubuntu system to 640x480 (highly annoying as my Windows is 1024x768). I would like to set the Ubuntu machine up in our guest room as a web browser but we don't have cat-5 cabling run there (so now I am running a Windows 98 PC there). I really would like to use Ubuntu; but, things like this make it hard. The thing I really want to do is set up a web and email server; but, that too seems to be bit more than I figured on. The bottom line is that for Ubuntu to challenge Windows, Ubuntu will have to do what Bill Gates did and copy the Mac OS interface. System usage is all about two things: speed and simplicity.
I'm in the 95% non-geek pc user camp. Saying Ubuntu is for dummies is like saying you're a "dummy" driver unless you can build a car by yourself. Just like a car, pc users should know basic maintenance and how to properly use it but unless its your interest, you shouldn't HAVE to know the inner workings just to get from point A to point B.
For the geeks out there, I don't know if Ubuntu is a good distro for them, but its perfect for somebody who just wants a good operating system without spending the months (or years) that geeks have dedicated to their skills. It's not as easy to use as Windows and there is a bit of a learning curve, but not enough to scare away the average user like myself.
For those CLI snobs (who are quickly becoming extinct btw) ctrl + Alt + F1-6 will drop you right to shell. Go figure.
uni
rankings
uni top
rankings
uni
ranking
uni top
rankings
fh top
rankings
unirankings
hochschulrankings
hochschule rankings
fh rankings
fhrankings
Much of our wardrobe true religion jeans outlet may contain an incredible wcxyewc0vsk amount of formal outfits that we usually wear at work or at business meetings. However, true religion sale when we get back home and maybe want to go out in the city or to some friends’ true religion jeans sale party, we feel like wearing something that feels both relaxing and trendy at the same time. True Religion jeans and Butterfly Dropout clothing can offer the solution to such a need. Butterfly Dropout clothing collections can provide true religion jeans for men shorter dresses that you can wear as tops over jeans available with a True Religion jean sale.
In the end, true religion mens jeans though you may give a greater amount of money for the acquisition of mens true religion jeans a pair of jeans, they will still prove to be one of the least true religion kids expensive manners of staying relaxed in your clothes while looking smashingly stylish. This happens particularly if you can combine a pair of skinnier jeans from the True Religion jean sale with true religion jeans cheap the soft look of a top from the Butterfly Dropout clothing collection.
Dear friends,Cheap Sale Louboutin online.All shoes elegant shoes is one of masterpiece from Christian Louboutin Evenings. When you buy yourself a pair of Christian Louboutin Pumps shoes you allow yourself to benefit from the vast experience and expertise that this brand has collected over the years.Christian Louboutin Slingbacks shoes is the personification of women,is their direct orgin of racial pride.Christian Louboutin Peep Toe shoes is the personification of women,is their direct orgin of racial pride.Welcome to our Louboutin 2011 stoer.http://www.sale-louboutin-shoes.us
Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Store offer 2011 new-style Christian Louboutin Sale Outlet online store.We will provide you with all kinds of CL.The Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots serve different functions and keep your feet stylish and warm,Christian Louboutin High Heels can always show our body in the best charming way, making her legs look as long as possible.Christian Louboutin New Style are the best choice for you to choose the brand, especially you want to keep steps to the fashion world.Christian Louboutin Peep Toes that are considered as classic due to the fact they are comfortable.Buy cheap Louboutin Outlet shoes, get your favorite.
http://www.christianlouboutinoutletonline.org
Welcome to the Christian Louboutin Outlet Online store. CL is the world's most famous high-heeled shoes. Women who wear it do not feel the same. Our Christian Louboutin Outlet stores offer a variety of CL. For example: 2011 Christian Louboutin, Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots, Christian Louboutin Heels, Christian Louboutin New Sandals, Christian Louboutin Peep-Toe, Christian Louboutin Pumps, Christian Louboutin Tall Boots. We will save you 80% of the money, thank you patronize hristian Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Store.
I'inevitable Roger Vivier vous invitent à bien faire vos lacets cet hiver !Blog-chaussures dans Mode le 25 juillet 2011.Originally, Roger Vivier was a appealing baddest customer admirers with Roger Vivier women and roger vivier chaussures humans now.Magasin de chaussures et d'articles de voyages. vivier shoes , Ferme le dimanche,roger rivier.Plan interactif ou Itineraire.Le meilleur moment pour acquerir les chaussures de vos reves roger vivier heels ! Sur les sites de degriffe les prix sont encore plus bas question.Roger Vivier viviane blassel ines fressange mode chaussures julien louet. roger vivier chaussures Intervalle de temps: Derniere heure, Dernier jour.Chaussures Marque : Hogan Livre pour : 21.5. Chaussures Suede belle de nuit flat - Roger vivier. Chaussures scarpe femmes roger vivier.Marque de chaussures roger vivier : infos mode, codes de reduction vzkjvnzk , soldes chaussures roger vivier.Luo Jianch Roger vivier uan also said that the current global financial crisis will affect the consumption of alum shox chaussures.
What to buy Christmas gifts for friends: The lasting for Mercurial Vapor Superfly Football is on the way to be to hold on to innovate. As Nike’s CEO Mark Parker mentioned “The obsession for innovations is frequently duty amount one for Nike Mercurial Superfly.” Nike Football exists to create Mercurial Vapors football boots and products near to the player, in accordance with his man or ladies demands – speed, power, accuracy, to name only a few.
Discount Uggs-In circumstance you haven?ˉt know-how the consolation and ease of trusted low-cost Uggs Clearance near to an extra hand in that circumstance your ft is certainly definitely at a drawback. provide the producer new Ugg Sale for low-cost within your previous these activities or if it is to not game your requires, there is undoubtedly consistently the distinctive well-liked standard types which consists of uggs basic short, uggs traditional tall and uggs conventional cardy and so on. you could arrive by suggests of out a pair of Ugg Boots Outlet boots which brilliant supplied in your individual lastly!The ugg boots united kingdom attributes genuine Twinface sheepskin for exceptional comfort. traditional Tall Discount Ugg Boots Boots it?ˉs one of our tallest boots and appears to turn into terrific every one of the way in which up or cuffed down. In chilly weather,Manufactured from lavish merino sheepskin,low-priced affordable Discount Uggs Outlet Boots can sustain you cozy even within chilliest winter.
Post a Comment