I would say that the common Windows user does not know how to reinstall their operating system, which is basically the same principle when installing Linux on a dual boot computer. Not to mention that Windows doesn't usually play nice with other operating systems messing with its boot loader. If the common user was smart enough to reinstall their own operating system, then I think that same user could install Linux and do just fine with it.
I think what Windows has done is made computer users less intelligent, less intuitive, and MS likes them this way. Ignorant computer users will stick to what they know, they have brand loyalty whether its a good product or not, and they have learned all sorts of little tricks and quirks along the way so that when something breaks, they might be able to fix it.
Back in the day, you used to have to have some pretty extensive knowledge to operate a computer, and this could even be true for Windows 98, though it would boot into the GUI automatically, it was still running on top of DOS, and if something happened to your autoexec.bat file, you might have to mess around in DOS again to get it working.
If the common user spent more time learning about all the modern advances in computing, I'm sure many of them would at the very least have a dual boot system. Its true though, Linux is not 100% capable of replacing the common users desktop for the simple fact that they wouldn't know how to install software no matter how easy you made it. Modern Linux distro's are getting there when it comes to software distribution and system upgrades, but sometimes you do have to get your hands a little dirty in the terminal... as you once did in DOS.
I installed Ubuntu Linux 7.04 on my parents computer and turned it into a dual boot machine. I then rebooted into Ubuntu, and made sure that everything was up to date, and the applications they would need for their limited use would function. They were already familiar with the Firefox icon, so they knew they could check their email. They were also familiar with the concept of a "Desktop" so they could easily save email attachments to it, and then open them with whatever application loaded on the screen when they double clicked it. They Knew they were not in Windows while using it, but they didn't complain, and they actually said that they liked the ease of use, and the "smoothness" of whatever they were using.
That was all the proof I needed that Linux could be quite useful for the common user... especially if you consider that the common user only really uses a computer for word processing, solitaire, web browsing, and web based email services.
Some gamers previously posted the issues they've had while trying to use Wine to play their Windows games, which is a true downside to running Linux as your sole operating system. However, if the market share were large enough, it would be just as easy for the programmers to develop cross platform games which could then even open up the Mac world to even more video games as well.
Which came first? The chicken or the egg? In order for Linux to stand a chance on the common users desktop, we must first have consistent and simple methods for the user to install and run programs. Not to mention that programmers need to also take an initiative, throw out those god forsaken C# and.Net books, and learn how to program for all platforms and not just 1 in particular. Also, its cheaper by nature to program in open source or in a cross platform environment, because you don't have to spend too much (if any) money on proprietary IDE's, costly books published by MS, and the proprietary operating system itself. All those costs add up, and by the time you release a product to the market, you have to sell it for over $100 in order to break even.
Linux, like Mac OS X, will not be replacing all Windows installations... but I think more users will be willing to take the plunge and delve a bit into Linux or Mac OS X. People have been asking me what a good laptop purchas
Its funny because about a month ago I recall still seeing Microsoft ads that say "NY Stock Exchange" powered by MS SQL Server. "Stock Exchange saves money and gains stability with MS blah blah blah"
the processor would get so hot it would melt right into your leg or give you cancer within 0 seconds... the first virus will make them blow up in your pocket, and it will dial XXX bbs's day in and day out.... I can't wait
don't forget that if Microsoft actually finds out that Linux and OSS in general does not violate any MS patents, that they will in turn be sued by everyone who has already paid them for these alleged copyright violations. The amount of law suits that would come back at Microsoft would be a huge mistake on their part, and they are not stupid, thus they won't allow for this. One thing I could easily see them doing however, is researching all the patents they do legally own, and then searching for ways to make open source software look guilty. Also, didn't they recently patent Vista's UAC, which due to how vague it is would mean that sudo and su would be copyright violations? Something needs to be done in this country about patent and intellectual property law, and quickly. The more they allow MS to get away with, the worse off it is for the consumer.
Where is it? I know I saw a fancy bootup screen for a linux based Google operating system. I'm sure by now they have tons of features. I mean they basically have an office suite thats web based. They have photo-management functionality, they've got a huge user base (not to mention cash like friggin crazy).... so where is my Goonix! I want the iso ready for installation on my 1gig flash drive so i can take my Goonix everywhere I go!
I can agree with that... I think the personal computer has been made too easy to use, so that people with not enough knowledge end up using it, and getting themselves into some trouble. I still think the operating system should be designed with less possibilities for such in depth infection. Some of the viruses I had to remove were practically attaching themselves at the kernel level, and would even load in safe mode which made them extremely pesky to remove. I think that with a better OS design, these viruses wouldn't be so difficult to detect and/or remove.
The spyware/adware is inevitable, but the trojans and worms are a major problem that the Operating System manufacturers should at least try to prevent.. especially at the cost of modern MS license fees.
I think that software companies behind the Operating systems being used today should take full responsibility at prevention and removal of spyware/adware/malware. There should be no need for anti-virus software. Microsoft should stay ahead of virus writers in order to patch systems with vulnerabilities, and in a much better way then the present.
This weekend, I was given a PC that needed to have viruses, spyware, malware removed... I thought it was a joke, this thing looked like a honeypot. It had every trojan known to man on it, every piece of spyware, backdoor, and virus had infected it, and no form of security (besides Service Pack 1 for XP). After 4 days straight trying to remove them (formatting not being an option, because the person was missing their OS restore cd and/or Windows XP home edition CD) I have finally gotten all of them removed... but my point, is that none of this should have ever been possible. An operating system should be designed more intelligently than those who want to exploit those same operating systems. I'm sure if they took the same amount of time they spend trying to promote new products and put it into better R&D for patching vulnerabilities, none of this would happen... but I suppose we don't know who scratches whose back in the world of Operating system / Anti-virus vendor's anymore....
Again, though they are a public company, I think that in order to remain a major player in any business you must have customers... not just stock holders. Google was the only one to stand up to the government, and they are the only ones who I trust will continue to do the right thing. Until they prove me otherwise, I'm a Google fan for life. You didn't explain anything in your response besides the fact that you think capitalism is destined to fail, which is not to say that you are wrong, but if you're not a capitalist, what are you?
I would much prefer Google to know about all of my internet activities than Microsoft. I'm glad Microsoft is pissed off that they couldn't afford such a buy out. Hopefully Google is able to turn this into a more positive note, not that it really has to with that kind of cash flow. Either way, Microsoft would buy DoubleClick and use it for evil, while Google I truly think is using it to make their AdSense / AdWords program that much better. Plus, didn't google just announce it will not store your personal data for longer than 12 months? Thats better than anybody else out there I'm sure.
Google... I know you read these, so... I still love you!
at least other governments are taking initiatives to try and make better electronic voting systems. This one seems to like the minibar key access control protocol:D
A local CompUSA was going out of business so they gave me 40% off on the N800. I just had to buy it. As a result, I've been installing open-source applications for it, and they are amazing. One of the selling points of the device was the bluetooth integration with a GPS unit. The device runs an application called "Maemo" for the desktop, and its built on Debian. I downloaded "MaemoMapper" which has GPS, Routes, and Maps, and once you get the "Flite" library installed, it reads you directions. All for far less than a standalone GPS. Throw in all the other features, and it was too good to pass up. The developer base is growing extensively, and more and more projects are opening up. I already have NMap on the device which is great since you don't need to carry around a laptop to do some testing.
I couldn't agree more. I'm disgusted by every aspect of Microsoft, yet capitalists love to say what a great business model they are....still disgusted...
My concerns lay in the hands of the consumers. It would be nice for them to have another choice besides Vista os Mac OS X. I would love for them to have faith in their own intelligence and go with Mac or Linux.. but I don't think Linux is quite there yet for the average user.
I would say the best OS MS has ever put together has been Windows 2000, especially with Service Pack 4. But out of the box, I feel that 2000 was the fastest (Not really. Windows 98 SE was the fastest, given new hardware) and most secure out of the box. I can't stand Windows Vista, and neither can common users. More and more of my clients are calling me saying "you were right..." and "I should have listened to you" but of course... curiosity killed the cat. Its unfortunate that Microsoft is allowed to get away with such things like this. They are basically forcing Vista down the throats of the entire market with no remorse. I think this latest effort is Microsoft trying to make sure that Linux will not harm their market share. I am personally losing faith in the Linux community in their attempts to take on Vista. Its a true tragedy.
I love my new Nokia N800! Intelligent company's are realizing the benefits of lowering their overhead by using an OpenSource OS, as well as the benefits of an opensource development community. My Nokia is running Maemo and the development community has everything I could ever want or need. All for free. I'm glad to see Palm make the shift, and hopefully this will be how Linux spreads to the masses. First into their hands where they will fall in love with its smooth operations and next will be on their laps where it will continue to warm their hearts... finally... the Desktop where love will conquer all and Vista will be nothing but the past.
I thought companies were making giant improvements with some sort of alcohol/water mixture and running that over the processors themselves. This coiled oil soaking around the entire server seems a bit ridiculous. As previously stated, what happens when someone has to work on them? You need to pull them out and wipe them clean, and get going. This also must open the door to at least some potential for disaster if one of the cases isn't properly sealed and the whole thing floods with oil... no?
A client called me several weeks ago to come setup his home with 802.11n. He bought a new Dell inspiron that came with Vista Home Basic edition. I had the router configured, the WEP keys, etc, everything was ready to go. After saying "Yes. I want to allow this" about 2 million times, I finally had the option of entering in my WPA security key, and select my preferred network. When I was done, and I asked it to connect. I got a BSOD and it dumped all the physical memory and restarted.
After 3 attempts at trying to get the WPA key to stick, and set the default Wireless network to his own, it finally worked and got connected. I told him if he has anymore problems, to return it to Dell and make sure he tells them it was because of Vista that he was returning it. The poor guy couldn't even get his Bluetooth wireless mouse to work.
Vista is horrible, and its aggravating that they will probably soon announce that they will discontinue support for Windows XP and force everyone to use their crappy OS, unless someone else steps up to the plate.
At this point, I don't care if its Linux, Mac OS X, or any of the BSD's that is able to do it... but someone needs to step up and grab this market.
Because it took more than 1 hour per computer you had to manually patch or mess with in order to correct the time issues, and thus.... no less energy consumed. I can't believe we still are using something as dumb as changing the hour on the clocks to try and conserve energy.
Though people always try to critique big success stories like Google. I think Google is a very powerful company with very good intentions. Copyright reform being one of those good intentions.
First things first, the article does explain the latest technology that KDE plans on implementing in 4.0, Dolphin. Which I'm glad to see that they are taking this approach because a single application trying to run the entire Desktop is not a good idea. I thought that the Linux community was out there to show everyone how things SHOULD be done and not simply imitate what others are doing. One of the biggest pitfalls of Windows was the fact that Explorer.exe and Iexplore.exe are practically the same application. In KDE Konqueror is trying to do the same; File-manager (not after they implement Dolphin), Internet Browser (Which crashes way too often to actually utilize), and everything else in between.
The Linux community needs to take a better approach if they want to be able to compete on the common users desktop. Ubuntu and Canonical are taking strides in the right direction by cutting deals with companies that will aide them in the process of competing in the desktop market. Ubuntu will implement Linspire's Click -n- run distribution system and Linspire will use Ubuntu instead of Debian as their base distribution of choice in Freespire and Linspire.
One of the biggest problems plaguing Linux in their efforts to make it on the common users desktop is software installation and updating. In windows its a very easy process they have learned over the years. Download the installer, double click the installer, and in moments you have installed the latest and greatest piece of spyware without even knowing you did anything wrong! Though I don't suggest users should install spyware, I do think that the process by which they install software is much simpler than in Linux. There are many dependencies which sometimes need to be hunted down before an application will work, and often times software is buggy.
One good thing though, is that companies do realize the potential of Linux on the desktop. Ahead for one is porting Nero to work in Linux, and I believe Adobe is porting Photoshop as well. (I could be wrong, don't slay me just yet). In any case, not all software must be open source in the world of Linux, but companies that sell proprietary software that will run in a Linux environment will benefit the open source community as well as the computing industry as a whole. People are realizing that a myopic perspective when dealing with computers is not the route to go. They are also realizing how similar Windows Vista is to HAL9000, as I recently discovered when using Vista for the first time on a clients laptop. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that..."
There's much to do... I suppose Dolphin is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, I think someone has to take a leap of faith and come up with an entirely new UI that will blow everyone out of the water. Maybe a mind-link function.... so you can just think about burning a CD and the application will open, and the CD-R/W drive will ejects it tray; Then again that could get messy quickly if your thoughts are impure.
Diebold's voting machine IS open source!! Buy a couple bottles from the mini-bar, take the key with you to the next poll, and open-er-up! In moments you can be playing chess instead of voting another politician into office:D
Slashdot Mirror
I would say that the common Windows user does not know how to reinstall their operating system, which is basically the same principle when installing Linux on a dual boot computer. Not to mention that Windows doesn't usually play nice with other operating systems messing with its boot loader. If the common user was smart enough to reinstall their own operating system, then I think that same user could install Linux and do just fine with it.
.Net books, and learn how to program for all platforms and not just 1 in particular. Also, its cheaper by nature to program in open source or in a cross platform environment, because you don't have to spend too much (if any) money on proprietary IDE's, costly books published by MS, and the proprietary operating system itself. All those costs add up, and by the time you release a product to the market, you have to sell it for over $100 in order to break even.
I think what Windows has done is made computer users less intelligent, less intuitive, and MS likes them this way. Ignorant computer users will stick to what they know, they have brand loyalty whether its a good product or not, and they have learned all sorts of little tricks and quirks along the way so that when something breaks, they might be able to fix it.
Back in the day, you used to have to have some pretty extensive knowledge to operate a computer, and this could even be true for Windows 98, though it would boot into the GUI automatically, it was still running on top of DOS, and if something happened to your autoexec.bat file, you might have to mess around in DOS again to get it working.
If the common user spent more time learning about all the modern advances in computing, I'm sure many of them would at the very least have a dual boot system. Its true though, Linux is not 100% capable of replacing the common users desktop for the simple fact that they wouldn't know how to install software no matter how easy you made it. Modern Linux distro's are getting there when it comes to software distribution and system upgrades, but sometimes you do have to get your hands a little dirty in the terminal... as you once did in DOS.
I installed Ubuntu Linux 7.04 on my parents computer and turned it into a dual boot machine. I then rebooted into Ubuntu, and made sure that everything was up to date, and the applications they would need for their limited use would function. They were already familiar with the Firefox icon, so they knew they could check their email. They were also familiar with the concept of a "Desktop" so they could easily save email attachments to it, and then open them with whatever application loaded on the screen when they double clicked it. They Knew they were not in Windows while using it, but they didn't complain, and they actually said that they liked the ease of use, and the "smoothness" of whatever they were using.
That was all the proof I needed that Linux could be quite useful for the common user... especially if you consider that the common user only really uses a computer for word processing, solitaire, web browsing, and web based email services.
Some gamers previously posted the issues they've had while trying to use Wine to play their Windows games, which is a true downside to running Linux as your sole operating system. However, if the market share were large enough, it would be just as easy for the programmers to develop cross platform games which could then even open up the Mac world to even more video games as well.
Which came first? The chicken or the egg? In order for Linux to stand a chance on the common users desktop, we must first have consistent and simple methods for the user to install and run programs. Not to mention that programmers need to also take an initiative, throw out those god forsaken C# and
Linux, like Mac OS X, will not be replacing all Windows installations... but I think more users will be willing to take the plunge and delve a bit into Linux or Mac OS X. People have been asking me what a good laptop purchas
Its funny because about a month ago I recall still seeing Microsoft ads that say "NY Stock Exchange" powered by MS SQL Server. "Stock Exchange saves money and gains stability with MS blah blah blah"
the processor would get so hot it would melt right into your leg or give you cancer within 0 seconds... the first virus will make them blow up in your pocket, and it will dial XXX bbs's day in and day out.... I can't wait
don't forget that if Microsoft actually finds out that Linux and OSS in general does not violate any MS patents, that they will in turn be sued by everyone who has already paid them for these alleged copyright violations. The amount of law suits that would come back at Microsoft would be a huge mistake on their part, and they are not stupid, thus they won't allow for this. One thing I could easily see them doing however, is researching all the patents they do legally own, and then searching for ways to make open source software look guilty. Also, didn't they recently patent Vista's UAC, which due to how vague it is would mean that sudo and su would be copyright violations? Something needs to be done in this country about patent and intellectual property law, and quickly. The more they allow MS to get away with, the worse off it is for the consumer.
your code Balmer!
http://showusthecode.com/
Where is it? I know I saw a fancy bootup screen for a linux based Google operating system. I'm sure by now they have tons of features. I mean they basically have an office suite thats web based. They have photo-management functionality, they've got a huge user base (not to mention cash like friggin crazy).... so where is my Goonix! I want the iso ready for installation on my 1gig flash drive so i can take my Goonix everywhere I go!
I can agree with that... I think the personal computer has been made too easy to use, so that people with not enough knowledge end up using it, and getting themselves into some trouble. I still think the operating system should be designed with less possibilities for such in depth infection. Some of the viruses I had to remove were practically attaching themselves at the kernel level, and would even load in safe mode which made them extremely pesky to remove. I think that with a better OS design, these viruses wouldn't be so difficult to detect and/or remove.
The spyware/adware is inevitable, but the trojans and worms are a major problem that the Operating System manufacturers should at least try to prevent.. especially at the cost of modern MS license fees.
I think that software companies behind the Operating systems being used today should take full responsibility at prevention and removal of spyware/adware/malware. There should be no need for anti-virus software. Microsoft should stay ahead of virus writers in order to patch systems with vulnerabilities, and in a much better way then the present.
This weekend, I was given a PC that needed to have viruses, spyware, malware removed... I thought it was a joke, this thing looked like a honeypot. It had every trojan known to man on it, every piece of spyware, backdoor, and virus had infected it, and no form of security (besides Service Pack 1 for XP). After 4 days straight trying to remove them (formatting not being an option, because the person was missing their OS restore cd and/or Windows XP home edition CD) I have finally gotten all of them removed... but my point, is that none of this should have ever been possible. An operating system should be designed more intelligently than those who want to exploit those same operating systems. I'm sure if they took the same amount of time they spend trying to promote new products and put it into better R&D for patching vulnerabilities, none of this would happen... but I suppose we don't know who scratches whose back in the world of Operating system / Anti-virus vendor's anymore....
Angry much?
Again, though they are a public company, I think that in order to remain a major player in any business you must have customers... not just stock holders. Google was the only one to stand up to the government, and they are the only ones who I trust will continue to do the right thing. Until they prove me otherwise, I'm a Google fan for life. You didn't explain anything in your response besides the fact that you think capitalism is destined to fail, which is not to say that you are wrong, but if you're not a capitalist, what are you?
I would much prefer Google to know about all of my internet activities than Microsoft. I'm glad Microsoft is pissed off that they couldn't afford such a buy out. Hopefully Google is able to turn this into a more positive note, not that it really has to with that kind of cash flow. Either way, Microsoft would buy DoubleClick and use it for evil, while Google I truly think is using it to make their AdSense / AdWords program that much better. Plus, didn't google just announce it will not store your personal data for longer than 12 months? Thats better than anybody else out there I'm sure.
Google... I know you read these, so... I still love you!
at least other governments are taking initiatives to try and make better electronic voting systems. This one seems to like the minibar key access control protocol :D
A local CompUSA was going out of business so they gave me 40% off on the N800. I just had to buy it. As a result, I've been installing open-source applications for it, and they are amazing. One of the selling points of the device was the bluetooth integration with a GPS unit. The device runs an application called "Maemo" for the desktop, and its built on Debian. I downloaded "MaemoMapper" which has GPS, Routes, and Maps, and once you get the "Flite" library installed, it reads you directions. All for far less than a standalone GPS. Throw in all the other features, and it was too good to pass up. The developer base is growing extensively, and more and more projects are opening up. I already have NMap on the device which is great since you don't need to carry around a laptop to do some testing.
Is Bill Gates running for President in 2008? If so, I'm fleeing.
I couldn't agree more. I'm disgusted by every aspect of Microsoft, yet capitalists love to say what a great business model they are. ...still disgusted...
My concerns lay in the hands of the consumers. It would be nice for them to have another choice besides Vista os Mac OS X. I would love for them to have faith in their own intelligence and go with Mac or Linux.. but I don't think Linux is quite there yet for the average user.
I would say the best OS MS has ever put together has been Windows 2000, especially with Service Pack 4. But out of the box, I feel that 2000 was the fastest (Not really. Windows 98 SE was the fastest, given new hardware) and most secure out of the box. I can't stand Windows Vista, and neither can common users. More and more of my clients are calling me saying "you were right..." and "I should have listened to you" but of course... curiosity killed the cat. Its unfortunate that Microsoft is allowed to get away with such things like this. They are basically forcing Vista down the throats of the entire market with no remorse. I think this latest effort is Microsoft trying to make sure that Linux will not harm their market share. I am personally losing faith in the Linux community in their attempts to take on Vista. Its a true tragedy.
Somebody help us
...so we CANSPAM you some more... just a little bit more. Its not bad enough that 90% of all email traffic is spam... lets add to that figure.
I love my new Nokia N800! Intelligent company's are realizing the benefits of lowering their overhead by using an OpenSource OS, as well as the benefits of an opensource development community. My Nokia is running Maemo and the development community has everything I could ever want or need. All for free. I'm glad to see Palm make the shift, and hopefully this will be how Linux spreads to the masses. First into their hands where they will fall in love with its smooth operations and next will be on their laps where it will continue to warm their hearts... finally... the Desktop where love will conquer all and Vista will be nothing but the past.
I thought companies were making giant improvements with some sort of alcohol/water mixture and running that over the processors themselves. This coiled oil soaking around the entire server seems a bit ridiculous. As previously stated, what happens when someone has to work on them? You need to pull them out and wipe them clean, and get going. This also must open the door to at least some potential for disaster if one of the cases isn't properly sealed and the whole thing floods with oil... no?
A client called me several weeks ago to come setup his home with 802.11n. He bought a new Dell inspiron that came with Vista Home Basic edition. I had the router configured, the WEP keys, etc, everything was ready to go. After saying "Yes. I want to allow this" about 2 million times, I finally had the option of entering in my WPA security key, and select my preferred network. When I was done, and I asked it to connect. I got a BSOD and it dumped all the physical memory and restarted.
After 3 attempts at trying to get the WPA key to stick, and set the default Wireless network to his own, it finally worked and got connected. I told him if he has anymore problems, to return it to Dell and make sure he tells them it was because of Vista that he was returning it. The poor guy couldn't even get his Bluetooth wireless mouse to work.
Vista is horrible, and its aggravating that they will probably soon announce that they will discontinue support for Windows XP and force everyone to use their crappy OS, unless someone else steps up to the plate.
At this point, I don't care if its Linux, Mac OS X, or any of the BSD's that is able to do it... but someone needs to step up and grab this market.
F--- Yeah!
Because it took more than 1 hour per computer you had to manually patch or mess with in order to correct the time issues, and thus.... no less energy consumed. I can't believe we still are using something as dumb as changing the hour on the clocks to try and conserve energy.
Though people always try to critique big success stories like Google. I think Google is a very powerful company with very good intentions. Copyright reform being one of those good intentions.
First things first, the article does explain the latest technology that KDE plans on implementing in 4.0, Dolphin. Which I'm glad to see that they are taking this approach because a single application trying to run the entire Desktop is not a good idea. I thought that the Linux community was out there to show everyone how things SHOULD be done and not simply imitate what others are doing. One of the biggest pitfalls of Windows was the fact that Explorer.exe and Iexplore.exe are practically the same application. In KDE Konqueror is trying to do the same; File-manager (not after they implement Dolphin), Internet Browser (Which crashes way too often to actually utilize), and everything else in between.
The Linux community needs to take a better approach if they want to be able to compete on the common users desktop. Ubuntu and Canonical are taking strides in the right direction by cutting deals with companies that will aide them in the process of competing in the desktop market. Ubuntu will implement Linspire's Click -n- run distribution system and Linspire will use Ubuntu instead of Debian as their base distribution of choice in Freespire and Linspire.
One of the biggest problems plaguing Linux in their efforts to make it on the common users desktop is software installation and updating. In windows its a very easy process they have learned over the years. Download the installer, double click the installer, and in moments you have installed the latest and greatest piece of spyware without even knowing you did anything wrong! Though I don't suggest users should install spyware, I do think that the process by which they install software is much simpler than in Linux. There are many dependencies which sometimes need to be hunted down before an application will work, and often times software is buggy.
One good thing though, is that companies do realize the potential of Linux on the desktop. Ahead for one is porting Nero to work in Linux, and I believe Adobe is porting Photoshop as well. (I could be wrong, don't slay me just yet). In any case, not all software must be open source in the world of Linux, but companies that sell proprietary software that will run in a Linux environment will benefit the open source community as well as the computing industry as a whole. People are realizing that a myopic perspective when dealing with computers is not the route to go. They are also realizing how similar Windows Vista is to HAL9000, as I recently discovered when using Vista for the first time on a clients laptop. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that..."
There's much to do... I suppose Dolphin is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, I think someone has to take a leap of faith and come up with an entirely new UI that will blow everyone out of the water. Maybe a mind-link function.... so you can just think about burning a CD and the application will open, and the CD-R/W drive will ejects it tray; Then again that could get messy quickly if your thoughts are impure.
Diebold's voting machine IS open source!! Buy a couple bottles from the mini-bar, take the key with you to the next poll, and open-er-up! In moments you can be playing chess instead of voting another politician into office :D