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Linux's iPod Generation Gap
An anonymous submittor says "Today's young generation can use Linux on the desktop provided it works with their iPod. Linux on the desktop still hasn't reached that stage and has to be compatible with multimedia applications like iTunes and iPod if it has to beat Microsoft's Windows dominance on the desktop. Open source gurus at LinuxWorld discuss solutions to make Linux more consumer-friendly."
Hey! I thought that kind of Troll was on the list of endangered species. I'm glad to see that all that morons complaining about that so called global warming and all that crap were sooooo wrong
Linux is *not* user friendly, and until it is linux will stay with >1% marketshare.
Take installation. Linux zealots are now saying "oh installing is so easy, just do apt-get install package or emerge package": Yes, because typing in "apt-get" or "emerge" makes so much more sense to new users than double-clicking an icon that says "setup".
It's hard to explain to someone, that Vi is far easier/faster and more efficient than Notepad. Part of this, is becuase GUI translates to "Ease" to those that know no better. I assert, that Rule No. 1 be: "Ease of Use has NOTHING to do with whether something SEEMS 'Intuitive'." Why? Becuase the unspoken parts of "Ease of Use" are the parts you DON'T see so scratch the GUI... such as that icon labelled "Setup" actually doing what you would expect it to do. And, do it well... but wait, let's take a step back a second. What did I say? "...actually doing what you would expect it to do..." Yes, here's another rub for sure, need I elaborate on what an idiot might expect? For Christ's sake, the only reason Virus Scanners exist is becuase of an expectation of the idiot!
I don't care if Linux is EVER dominate on the desktop. I'd prefer it not be. Let Windows reign supreme on the backs of all cows and sheep for all I care. They deserve what they get. As for those that know the first thing about computing, let them make a most informed decision on what to use. I don't care about "market share", that is a capitalist phrase which means nothing to me and in no way effects my decision to contribute or release my own work for free. The moment someone uses capitalists jargon and phrases in reference to Open Source, I usually stop listening as they clearly have no idea what they are talking about; nevermind their blatant lack of vision to properly distinguish the two philosophies.
What we have here, is the value between experts and laymen. Linux has done well, will continue to do well, regardless if it ever overthrows Windows on the desktop and gain the hearts and minds of the sheep. Why? That's simple....
Take any hobby or interest. Creative is surely "larger" than MOTU, yet, who do you think actually has more clout to influence the industry? Not Creative, that's for damn sure. Why? Becuase professionals and experts, sound engineers and sound producers regard MOTU and their software/equipment much more than Creative's low-quality merchandise targetting the everyday person. Who, logically, do you think is following who? Creative follows the industry players that have the most approval of the experts within the field of music and audio production. MOTU doesn't go to Creative to ask what the mass "market" wants... they go to the multi-million dollar studios and big name musicians and ask THEM what THEY want.
The ONLY thing the Linux community needs to maintain is our level of expertise. So, when a CEO needs to ask a question, who better to ask? The Windows gang there, or the Linux gurus over there? Now, this might depend on the question. But, I highly doubt that any question regarding the bits and bytes of the technology will ever be addressed to the Windows crowd. "Is the structure of this protocol feasible for 'X' application?", "Should our new interface be openly defined as a standard or is it better at this point in time to keep it proprietary?" These kinds of questions, and the answers that are considered GOVERN the direction and application of upcoming and present technologies! Forget the GUI and Ease of Use crap that's only targetting people interested in 'after-the-fact' technologies awarded by a board that doesn't give a hoot about anything but profit and if that means confusing the consumer, decieving the consumer or outright taxing the consumer... they will do so.
Linux experts are listened too. Purchasing decisions are made based off our suggestions. Our small numbers only serve to saturate our experts into an identifiable group of people; which means, while there are a few very smart Windows programme