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Linux vs. Windows: Choice vs. Usability

Posted by michael on from the i-thought-premium-price-meant-premium-service dept.

ThaReetLad writes "In this article at DevX, Executive Editor A. Russell Jones makes the case for a standardised GUI for Linux. He argues that the promotion of choice of GUI as a positive feature of using Linux is detrimental to its chances of attacking Microsoft's home user monopoly. From the article: '...the open source community must recognize that its primary goals: freedom of choice, freedom of source code, and freedom to alter applications, are not the goals of the average user.' In particular he argues that the choice of desktop between KDE, Gnome, IceWM etc, is not one that a former windows user, even a fairly technically competent one, is going to able to make an informed choice on, and that they should not be forced to make that choice in order to get good use out of any applications they might want to use."

3 of 1,083 comments (clear)

  1. Talking head moron by BiteMeFanboy · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    Choice IS NOT incompatible with usability. I'm sick and fucking tired of hearing this bullshit from idiot usability "experts".

    Let me cluse you in assholes. You can have a standard desktop that everyone uses by default, but it completely customizable/replaceable for those who have the desire and ability.

  2. Re:Good idea by Lodragandraoidh · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I have tried KDE and GNOME (as well as a plethora of other non-contenders), and I have come to the conclusion that GNOME is the best.

    Initially, I was a bit put-off by the interface. However, I soon found that I could do some interesting things that were not available under KDE. I also found GNOME faster than KDE given the same tasks.

    I am much more efficient with GNOME than I ever was with KDE. Perhaps that is just personal taste - but that is how I see it.

    Unfortunately, to create 'mass market' appeal for Linux, I agree you will need a 'standardized' interface. The development of this interface should not close the door on innovation in interface design; there should always be choice where Linux is concerned.

    --

    Lodragan Draoidh
    The more you explain it, the more I don't understand it. - Mark Twain
  3. New users by nuggz · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Why can't I can copy text from my shell window into my e-mail app and web browser?

    I spend too much time on IRC, so I have several responses.

    1. Because you're a moron.
    2. If you selected the text, then pasted it with the middle mouse button you could.
    3. RTFM (yes X cut and paste IS documented).

    The problem with a consistent user interface is that you have to pick one.
    The great power of vi is it has an excellent UI, however not one I'd want to try and use in the gimp.