not to go too far with this, but look at Mac OS. Mac users say how easy it is to do things in it. I personally find it a SOB to use(at least from a administration POV).
As for helping your dad, the reason most people have problems with the basics of computing is that they overcomplicate the task. It's a learned helplessness that they've picked up. Face it, we're the computer generation, so we find it easier to do things with them because we were brought up with them. When you introduce something new and complex, like computers, to an audience that's not been brought up using them, then they're going to have more basic problems.
(BTW, my mother is probably the best example of "lost cause" in computing)
It's also easier for most people to ask for help when they know they'll get it. It's easier than thinking. I'm guilty of it, just as many of us are. I'd rather ask someone who knows the answer and can fix it than toil with the problem for hours. It's easier.
I like Mandrake. But you said "try to do something harder than writing letters or playing games." Tell me, if a user steps out of those bounds, how do you think they'll hold up in linux? They'll sink like a 50 pound rock. That's also my other beef with linux -- it's still unecessarily complicated -- FOR THE MASSES (read: don't start flaming me).
To finish off, I didn't say that Windows was hands down easy to use. Someone off the street couldn't come in without any computing experience and sit down and just start working. Everything is somewhat complicated. Computing is a complicated beast. Look at how many people still can't program their VCR and how easy it is to do once you've been taught.
From a user's viewpoint, you've got to pick the lesser of the two evils, which, for better or worse, is Microsoft Windows.
OK, lets face the facts. I'm both a windows user/administrator, and a Linux user. I like things about both OSes. But we have to face the facts. Windows is so popular by the masses because it's _easy_ to use. Its GUI is hands down better than any X windows GUI out there now, or even a year from now. Sure, I get annoyed just as much as the next person when I have to go through all of the wizards(in 2000), and how I can't kill a process when I'm the freakin' domain administrator, but still.
I'm by far, not a Microsoft basher. I think that they've done some less than kosher things, and some of their product bugs are inexcusable, but the fact of the matter is is that Windows a usable operating system built for the masses...and that's what Microsoft is catering to...the masses.
To use a quote I heard from a Microsoft speaker: "Think of ordering a pizza for 150 million people. On this pizza you've got to put on certain toppings that some will like and some will not like, but in the end, that pizza's got to be acceptable by everyone that's eating it."
If you look at it that way, then you can understand their perspective a little bit better.
Sure, Microsoft has to change some things that they're doing. Raising the cost of the OS to 1 grand would be a change for the worst, but let's face it - if the situation were to pan out that way, Microsoft has to keep bringing in the money, and when you lose 90%+ of your other divisions, you've got to compensate. That's why, in this scenario, I don't think a breakup would be a wise decision. Present another situation, and I might change that stance.
Install VNC or SMS on users' computers. Next time you get stressed/bored, connect to their machine, open up Paint, and write "HEELLPPP MEEEE!!!" with red paint. It does wonders for your stress levels.
http://www.dtheatre.com
I thought about the possibilities that Microsoft might go with. This one, quite frankly, was one of the most outrageous that I could come up with. Except instead of Canada, they bought an island just outside of US waters and made their employees commute. They'd still have to keep the branches in Dallas, N.C., and others though. Kinda funny...
In a response to what someone said earlier, this movie will be very great, even if it isn't interactive. Most of the interactivity of the final fantasy games is just random battles, and other essential (directed) fights. You could in no way alter the way the story was going to end up(ie, kill a main character, fall in love with the wrong teammate). Now, if any of you(and I'm sure there are many) have played/seen Final Fantasy VIII, you'll agree that the story(yes, along with the fabulous animation)really made the game. It's story line is, by far the best of any recent game that I've played. Square Productions pride themselves on the good stories they produce. It's because of the story lines that the Final Fantasy series is still around(and will stay around for a long while) and popular. They will not disapoint.
Along with the Lord Of the Rings and Titan AE, this is one movie I can't wait to come out.
To only see a few specks of light, surely doesn't seem to be worth it. Far be it for me to place judgement on the guy and the situation. More power to him, but if it were me...well...who knows... Would you do it? I'm sure he had to pay a hell of a lot for so little...
Should a hammer be looked at as a malicious tool? As you stated, software is a tool. If someone wants to use it for more than it was supposed to be used for then they should take all the responsibility for their actions. It gets harder to draw the line though when you talk about things like Viruses. There is no legitimate reason to write that program, so the author should be to blame (but not in whole). It is still a tool, and chances are, the user's going to know what the tool can be used for. So, even in the case of a computer virus, the user should take most of the blame...
Slashdot Mirror
not to go too far with this, but look at Mac OS. Mac users say how easy it is to do things in it. I personally find it a SOB to use(at least from a administration POV).
As for helping your dad, the reason most people have problems with the basics of computing is that they overcomplicate the task. It's a learned helplessness that they've picked up. Face it, we're the computer generation, so we find it easier to do things with them because we were brought up with them. When you introduce something new and complex, like computers, to an audience that's not been brought up using them, then they're going to have more basic problems.
(BTW, my mother is probably the best example of "lost cause" in computing)
It's also easier for most people to ask for help when they know they'll get it. It's easier than thinking. I'm guilty of it, just as many of us are. I'd rather ask someone who knows the answer and can fix it than toil with the problem for hours. It's easier.
I like Mandrake. But you said "try to do something harder than writing letters or playing games." Tell me, if a user steps out of those bounds, how do you think they'll hold up in linux? They'll sink like a 50 pound rock. That's also my other beef with linux -- it's still unecessarily complicated -- FOR THE MASSES (read: don't start flaming me).
To finish off, I didn't say that Windows was hands down easy to use. Someone off the street couldn't come in without any computing experience and sit down and just start working. Everything is somewhat complicated. Computing is a complicated beast. Look at how many people still can't program their VCR and how easy it is to do once you've been taught.
From a user's viewpoint, you've got to pick the lesser of the two evils, which, for better or worse, is Microsoft Windows.
OK, lets face the facts. I'm both a windows user/administrator, and a Linux user. I like things about both OSes. But we have to face the facts. Windows is so popular by the masses because it's _easy_ to use. Its GUI is hands down better than any X windows GUI out there now, or even a year from now. Sure, I get annoyed just as much as the next person when I have to go through all of the wizards(in 2000), and how I can't kill a process when I'm the freakin' domain administrator, but still.
I'm by far, not a Microsoft basher. I think that they've done some less than kosher things, and some of their product bugs are inexcusable, but the fact of the matter is is that Windows a usable operating system built for the masses...and that's what Microsoft is catering to...the masses.
To use a quote I heard from a Microsoft speaker: "Think of ordering a pizza for 150 million people. On this pizza you've got to put on certain toppings that some will like and some will not like, but in the end, that pizza's got to be acceptable by everyone that's eating it."
If you look at it that way, then you can understand their perspective a little bit better.
Sure, Microsoft has to change some things that they're doing. Raising the cost of the OS to 1 grand would be a change for the worst, but let's face it - if the situation were to pan out that way, Microsoft has to keep bringing in the money, and when you lose 90%+ of your other divisions, you've got to compensate. That's why, in this scenario, I don't think a breakup would be a wise decision. Present another situation, and I might change that stance.
Install VNC or SMS on users' computers. Next time you get stressed/bored, connect to their machine, open up Paint, and write "HEELLPPP MEEEE!!!" with red paint. It does wonders for your stress levels. http://www.dtheatre.com
and the only reason it sucks less is because it's been around much longer...
I am just now becoming pissed off with the RIAA. Sounds like it's time to move to Gnutella where They have no control. We're smarter than Them.
I thought about the possibilities that Microsoft might go with. This one, quite frankly, was one of the most outrageous that I could come up with. Except instead of Canada, they bought an island just outside of US waters and made their employees commute. They'd still have to keep the branches in Dallas, N.C., and others though. Kinda funny...
Well, my friend just told me he got banned. Tried to create a new username called FUCKMETALLICA , but it was already taken. fancy that...
In a response to what someone said earlier, this movie will be very great, even if it isn't interactive. Most of the interactivity of the final fantasy games is just random battles, and other essential (directed) fights. You could in no way alter the way the story was going to end up(ie, kill a main character, fall in love with the wrong teammate). Now, if any of you(and I'm sure there are many) have played/seen Final Fantasy VIII, you'll agree that the story(yes, along with the fabulous animation)really made the game. It's story line is, by far the best of any recent game that I've played. Square Productions pride themselves on the good stories they produce. It's because of the story lines that the Final Fantasy series is still around(and will stay around for a long while) and popular. They will not disapoint.
Along with the Lord Of the Rings and Titan AE, this is one movie I can't wait to come out.
http://www.dtheatre.com
To only see a few specks of light, surely doesn't seem to be worth it. Far be it for me to place judgement on the guy and the situation. More power to him, but if it were me...well...who knows... Would you do it? I'm sure he had to pay a hell of a lot for so little...
Should a hammer be looked at as a malicious tool? As you stated, software is a tool. If someone wants to use it for more than it was supposed to be used for then they should take all the responsibility for their actions. It gets harder to draw the line though when you talk about things like Viruses. There is no legitimate reason to write that program, so the author should be to blame (but not in whole). It is still a tool, and chances are, the user's going to know what the tool can be used for. So, even in the case of a computer virus, the user should take most of the blame...