Linuxnewbie.org
Jester writes " Linuxnewbie.org is a new site devoted to the linux beginner. This is a place where people that are transitioning from windows to linux can come and share their experiences and learn from each other. Do you want to write up your HowTO? or Do you have some tips and tricks you'd like to share? Want to get them published?"
Posted by DaJoker:
I just wanted to point out several things, that really don't make this site unique in itself, and really make me question this sites intentions in general.
1. This site has the same principle ideas as http://linuxnewbies.org. Now this isn't in itself bad. Keep reading..
2. One of the main creators of http://linuxnewbies.org is Joker, and this post came from Jester. Simple coincidence, right? Keep reading..
3. This same Joker runs a website that is entitled Kung-Fu Linux, and has appeared on the Joe Linux User site at http://themes.org. By going to http://www.linuxnewbie.org we see that you should mail sensei@linuxnewbie.org.
Ok, so you really don't see the coincidence do you? I think it's a sad ripoff, and personally I wouldn't give this site a look, nor contribute to help. This was a sad, shameless attempt of creating a slashdot effect site overnight, and has absolutely no content to back up it's claims as a newbie friendly site. I thumb my nose at Jester and ask him to next time, please use your own ideas and creativity.
So if you want real newbie content, and no shameless plugs on an actual slashdot story, no advertising banners, and the help of people that have been using linux for many years, surf on over to http://linuxnewbies.org and save yourself the time of going to a site that doesn't live up to it's claims.
I've used programs with options up the wazoo and interfaces that either didn't exist or were incredibly complex, but the only thing I found to cause a program to be hard to use, or user un-friendly, is a non-intuitive interface.
Say you're using Netscape and you want to change your properties. Where do you go? Not to help or view, right? Is there a configure button, settings? You want to change, or edit, your properties - how about edit? There it is! This isn't the best example, but it gets the point across on what might cause a program to be hard to use.
What if the user can't find the settings option? What if there is none, but this user knows the program's settings can be altered. How does this person learn how to change them? He/She just knows what file to edit?
Designing an interface so the action you want to take can be easily translated to the direction or command you use, should be the goal of every programmer. It seems some don't take it into consideration, though.
All user un-friendly programs I've used lacked this trait. Remember, making things easier does not restrict a program's power.
A great program is a balence of many things. Speed, size, functionality, and ease of use (or interface) are the ingredients of a great program. Speed, size, and functionality are the hard parts. Don't forget interface is important too.