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Caldera's 'Consumer Friendly' Linux
An anonymous reader sent us a link to a news.com story
that talks about Caldera releasing a
'Consumer Friendly Linux' designed to allow the newbies
to use it without touching a CLI.
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I know a lot of people believe that something like this will make Linux worse and not better.
However, it isn't true.
Just because someone is selling something that makes it easier for people to use Linux, it doesn't
mean that it's going to make Linux "Just as bad as Windows."
The CLI and steep learning curve isn't what makes Linux good. What makes it good is the Openess and
the great programmers behind it.
The one thing that has been SEVERELY over-looked IS
the user-friendliness.
The only thing that making something easier to use is going to do is let more people use the operating
system without having to know as much in advance. I know those of us who have already done it the
hard way may feel cheated because the new users don't have to go thru everything we did... but so
what?
And another thing... Making something more user-friendly DOES NOT mean that it is going to be less
powerful. Those of you who think that have a lot to learn about software design. Basically it all
comes down to the masculinity argument. Many people feel that their balls are bigger because
they can memorize a man page about a particular piece of software.
Yes, I have felt the same way sometimes. However, I would much rather have the option of a quick GUI
with a couple checkboxes instead of having to open an Xterm, reading a man page, and memorizing the
sequence of options I have to enter. Don't get me wrong, I like the speed that you CAN do stuff with
the CLI once you do remember the commands. I just understand how many new users can feel.
Another thing that has been overlooked that could easily be implemented in many X-based programs is
something like an "Advanced Options..." option. Show the simple stuff, then if they want to, show
everything. Even though their programs do suck, M$ has got this UI thing down. Not many people
complain about the UI in M$ programs. (Except maybe for that little paperclip guy...) Which
brings me to something else... Help systems. Let me just say this:
The man system in Linux is awesome. The GUI based help sux.
IMO, Linux users *should* be happy about new users coming in, even if they have been dumbed-down by a
Micro$oft OS.
More users mean:
More programs
More drivers
More support period.
Sorry for getting a little bit off-topic (kinda) in that. It's just something that has been bothering me about many Linux users.
They think that if something comes in that makes Linux easier to use, it's going to ruin the Linux
community.
C'mon people, it's ok.
Let 'em in, even if they can't work a CLI.
~enucite~
/me puts on his asbestos suit in preparation of the flames.
I'm going to take a gamble and bet some comments will be up soon as to the elite and special nature of Linux, and how this is going to ruin everything...
Or on how by dumbing down the OS this way, Linux will be no more and no better than Windows...
Or how Linux is their OS, meant and built for hackers, and not meant for idiots, newbies, the clueless, or the Great Unwashed Masses...
Please, I just gave all three, so don't feel you need to add any more.
That out of the way, I feel this is a good thing, but not perfect. Consumer space is important, especially if you feel that M$ doesn't deserve it and that Apple repeatedly makes routine screwups in the arena. Linux needs enough support to garner first class citizenship from consumer hardware manufacturers; USB drivers and support, AGP and 3d acceleration, perhipherals like TV tuners, scanners, sound cards, and most importantly, consumer space Applications.
User Friendly Linux, regardless of distro or brand name, needs to have an easier setup than M$s. Fill in a bunch of checkboxes and defaults in one dialogue, and allow install without further user interaction. Automatic repair, in case the user screws up or something goes wrong... Refer to some sort of image, and restore from CD or something. Automatic update of safety image as user adds or removes components and hardware. Default security and protection, without the user worrying about patches and updates and holes... Like Netscape's or M$'s autoupdate, check routinely for patches and such, and if possible, download and ask for user permission to install, detailing the changes and allowing for selective removal and uninstall...
Am I missing anything?
AS
-AS
*Pikachu*