I am lucky enough to have an IBM Model M (Now ~$70, $80) which I was given, and at work I have a Microsoft Natural Touch keyboard (~$70).
I get RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) really easily using the keyboards that come with Dells, Apples, or HPs (haven't tried the rest). For me, it is worth the $70 or so to be able to keep typing and not hurt.
If it were really good, I'd pay $150 for that ability.
What is positively astonishing is how persistent this problem is. Look back at the thousands of linux threads over the last 10 years, and you will see the SAME complaint again and again, and again. And again. And AGAIN. It is farking ridiculous.
How hard is it to sit down and run a simple test like the (excellent) one this guy did with his girlfriend for every release?
Although this is an good single test, real user testing is more difficult and time consuming. Like a lot of other kinds of testing, good user testing is statistical. You can't assume that because user one had trouble with MSN that all other users will.
The first step to testing is to determine a target user group and use case.
Does Ubuntu's target user include computer novices in the 20-30 year old age range? It probably does now. The Linux of 10 years ago probably didn't.
As for the use case, is Ubuntu meant to be used for general internet browsing tasks? Yes, but it's probably a subset of the full use case which should be tested. A full use case test shoud probably also include installing (since Ubuntu doesn't usually come preinstalled), basic account setup, installing and removing programs, and more.
So you need to test all your use cases against enough users to have enough data points for statistical analysis. In a good user study you are also going to have video capture of both the screen and of the user as well.
In the end I think I think the reason it hasn't been done is because it's expensive, tedious and boring.
The only problem I now have is with dual monitor support. It seems like a hodge-podge of ideas, nowhere very clearly defined. I don't know if I need Xinemara, TwinView, or both? I've tried countless combinations of "vsync to blank" (3 different locations), setting the vertical refresh rate (3 different values depending on where I look), none of which are 60 hz. There are many lockups while trying to change these settings through the nvidia driver settings.
I realize none of this is Ubuntu's fault, per se. Still, my multiple monitors works flawlessly in Windows without any fuss. It just seems obvious what to do there for me.
If you happen to have an Nvidia card, get it working with the proprietary Nvidia driver on one screen first, then it's the same as Windows to get the second one set up.
The command you want is nvidia-settings, and you need to run it as admin (ie. with sudo)
For non Nvidia cards, I don't know that there's an easy setup tool.
Nothing says "Oh god, what an amateur" than seeing slide after slide spiral into another one, or slowly dissolve, etc.
Depends on the transition, the material and the audience. For example, if you're switching between a before and after slide (eg. with photos) using a crossfade can make it more clear what the differences are. Also, some suits prefer a smooth transition to a blocky sudden switch.
I know of a very large organization that uses a ton of OSS stuff in house. At first they didn't release any of the changes they made. Then after a few years, they got tired of re-implementing their changes in each new version of the software. Now they release the non-company specific changes they make (basically anything the projects are interested in) so that other people will help notice when critical features break.
Yeah, the competition might benefit from the changes too, but at least you don't have to keep your own code tree and re-patch with every upgrade.
It's because of the disputes between two of the internet providers who aren't allowing traffic from each other's networks. It was on slashdot a couple of days ago and specifically mentioned Groklaw.
I dislike Windows and most other Microsoft software, but I actually agree with most of this letter. Taking other people's programs when you don't have permission isn't right, and if someone wants to make their code closed source, that's their choice too.
The two things Bill was wrong about were a) that no one would distribute software for free and b) that he would be able to deluge the hobby market with good software.
Everywhere I've lived I've paid a fixed rate for internet connectivity. I pay the same if I use it or not, and so I keep my wireless completely open for anyone to use.
Need a car analogy? Ok. this is a stretch.
Imagine you have to buy car rental package each month. There is one that lets you drive 56k miles and one that lets you drive 122864k miles (15Mbps, what I get). You have to get the bigger package even though it's much too big because the 56k package is too small. Why *wouldn't* you let other people use the extra miles you've already purchased and are going to just throw away?
I pay for my bandwidth too, but there's no way I could use all of it each month. I like to help other people since it doesn't cost me any extra.
Colin Cook (CTO of Celio, makers of Redfly) came to speak to our Information Technology guest lecture class at BYU, so I've seen this thing in action.
I asked them about computers like the EEE PC and there was a definite brief look of worry, then he claimed that people didn't want to carry around a whole extra computer, and that by being able to keep the PDA on your person, the Redfly would be more secure than a laptop which you might leave in a bag or briefcase. He also said that the target customer (Windows PDA users) wouldn't want to buy an EEE PC because it had Linux on it.
He also seemed to get slightly flustered when I informed him that you could buy EEE PCs with Windows on them.
I think that when they started working on this project, there was a need and a market for it, but now that it's almost ready their market has disappeared because functional affordable UMPCs are finally on the market. That said, it was kind of neat, but not $500 neat. Maybe PDA accessory neat($50-$100).
You won't even get punched by a believer if you stand in front of a church screaming jesus was a zombie.
That's not guaranteed
Christians are people too, and come in all flavors. Punching you for that kind of behavior would be against most of their principles...but people don't always follow their principles.
Customers would never install this on their own. For this to work, they'd have to find some large OS maker who would accept a large payment in order to implement it directly into the OS. And as far as I know, none of the major OS makers would be willing to accept a ton of money if it meant a worse experience for their users.
Slashdot Mirror
I am lucky enough to have an IBM Model M (Now ~$70, $80) which I was given, and at work I have a Microsoft Natural Touch keyboard (~$70).
I get RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) really easily using the keyboards that come with Dells, Apples, or HPs (haven't tried the rest). For me, it is worth the $70 or so to be able to keep typing and not hurt.
If it were really good, I'd pay $150 for that ability.
Whos president, theirs or ours?
I have the following disks in my computer:
1 TB
500 GB
300 GB
When they decide to fsck at the same time, it can take 1/2 hour or longer to get to the login screen.
How hard is it to sit down and run a simple test like the (excellent) one this guy did with his girlfriend for every release?
Although this is an good single test, real user testing is more difficult and time consuming. Like a lot of other kinds of testing, good user testing is statistical. You can't assume that because user one had trouble with MSN that all other users will.The first step to testing is to determine a target user group and use case.
Does Ubuntu's target user include computer novices in the 20-30 year old age range? It probably does now. The Linux of 10 years ago probably didn't.
As for the use case, is Ubuntu meant to be used for general internet browsing tasks? Yes, but it's probably a subset of the full use case which should be tested. A full use case test shoud probably also include installing (since Ubuntu doesn't usually come preinstalled), basic account setup, installing and removing programs, and more.
So you need to test all your use cases against enough users to have enough data points for statistical analysis. In a good user study you are also going to have video capture of both the screen and of the user as well.
In the end I think I think the reason it hasn't been done is because it's expensive, tedious and boring.
My 2 year old likes:
1) Tuxtype -- on easy mode he can type about 1/8th of the letters before they hit the ground. Especially if the letter is W (his favorite).
2) Tuxpaint -- Loves just drawing different colored lines.
3) Tuxracer (or one of the forks)
Paintball simulated warfare? Check.
Has a tank? Check.
Must be a terrorist.
Seriously though, this makes me proud to be from Michigan. :-)
If you happen to have an Nvidia card, get it working with the proprietary Nvidia driver on one screen first, then it's the same as Windows to get the second one set up.
The command you want is nvidia-settings, and you need to run it as admin (ie. with sudo)
For non Nvidia cards, I don't know that there's an easy setup tool.
Here, cars work better
Think of it like this:
I place a pair of cars on a park bench and walk away.
versus:
I walk up to someone sitting on a park bench and offer them a pair of cars.
Although I've still had to use it in the last couple years for a couple of odd routers.
Depends on the transition, the material and the audience. For example, if you're switching between a before and after slide (eg. with photos) using a crossfade can make it more clear what the differences are. Also, some suits prefer a smooth transition to a blocky sudden switch.
OT, but funny.
:
Escuse me monsieur, I must walk...it is, ah, very niceWe were at a packed restaurant in France with my inlaws. The waiter needed to get past us and said
I know of a very large organization that uses a ton of OSS stuff in house. At first they didn't release any of the changes they made. Then after a few years, they got tired of re-implementing their changes in each new version of the software. Now they release the non-company specific changes they make (basically anything the projects are interested in) so that other people will help notice when critical features break.
Yeah, the competition might benefit from the changes too, but at least you don't have to keep your own code tree and re-patch with every upgrade.
It's because of the disputes between two of the internet providers who aren't allowing traffic from each other's networks. It was on slashdot a couple of days ago and specifically mentioned Groklaw.
I dislike Windows and most other Microsoft software, but I actually agree with most of this letter. Taking other people's programs when you don't have permission isn't right, and if someone wants to make their code closed source, that's their choice too.
The two things Bill was wrong about were a) that no one would distribute software for free and b) that he would be able to deluge the hobby market with good software.
Every resume you send out is you marketing yourself.
The way you dress, speak, and present yourself at the interview is you marketing yourself.
Of those applying for a job, the ones that do a good enough job marketing themselves are the ones who will be looked at for their technical skills.
Everywhere I've lived I've paid a fixed rate for internet connectivity. I pay the same if I use it or not, and so I keep my wireless completely open for anyone to use.
Need a car analogy? Ok. this is a stretch.
Imagine you have to buy car rental package each month. There is one that lets you drive 56k miles and one that lets you drive 122864k miles (15Mbps, what I get). You have to get the bigger package even though it's much too big because the 56k package is too small. Why *wouldn't* you let other people use the extra miles you've already purchased and are going to just throw away?
I pay for my bandwidth too, but there's no way I could use all of it each month. I like to help other people since it doesn't cost me any extra.
Colin Cook (CTO of Celio, makers of Redfly) came to speak to our Information Technology guest lecture class at BYU, so I've seen this thing in action.
I asked them about computers like the EEE PC and there was a definite brief look of worry, then he claimed that people didn't want to carry around a whole extra computer, and that by being able to keep the PDA on your person, the Redfly would be more secure than a laptop which you might leave in a bag or briefcase. He also said that the target customer (Windows PDA users) wouldn't want to buy an EEE PC because it had Linux on it.
He also seemed to get slightly flustered when I informed him that you could buy EEE PCs with Windows on them.
I think that when they started working on this project, there was a need and a market for it, but now that it's almost ready their market has disappeared because functional affordable UMPCs are finally on the market. That said, it was kind of neat, but not $500 neat. Maybe PDA accessory neat($50-$100).
It's sigs like yours which make people afraid of nuclear energy. And guns.
I'll be waiting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500.
That's not guaranteed
Christians are people too, and come in all flavors. Punching you for that kind of behavior would be against most of their principles...but people don't always follow their principles.
http://damnsmalllinux.org/network-install.html
- Get TOMSRTBT and boot it
- Configure network
- Download install script
- Download image and use install script
Debian has a 5-floppy installer still as well : http://ftp.nl.debian.org/debian/dists/etch/main/installer-i386/current/images/floppy/It will only work when run in a super cold freezer or, possibly, in Canada.
Really cold : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_zero
It's already available (but not required) http://mstar.net/offerings/filtering.php . I don't personally know anyone who uses it, but it's an option.
On the upside, Provo, Orem and other cities DO have fiber to the home! 15Mbps for $40/month./p>
I thought that the changes in the UI from version 2.2 to 2.4 were really helpful. It's still not perfect, but it's much better, usable even. :-)
Customers would never install this on their own. For this to work, they'd have to find some large OS maker who would accept a large payment in order to implement it directly into the OS. And as far as I know, none of the major OS makers would be willing to accept a ton of money if it meant a worse experience for their users.
:-)