However, Gnome2 does things that Gnome3 doesn't do, or emulates badly. If Gnome3 can emulate a Gnome2 environment perfectly, plus adding in additional features, I'm all for it. Currently it doesn't.
How long will I be able to stick with Gnome2? One year? Two? Nobody knows... When it's completely dead, will Gnome3 have feature parity? Nobody knows either! That's the whole thing: we are talking about stability and maturity. We are now in a time where desktops should strive for those qualities, and align with the server mentality.
So, yes, you have a fair point... Let's just say that the execution is "lacking".
I don't do that as a job... I help and support people out of the kindness of my heart. As for the Fisher Price theme. You can change that without impacting the rest. Personally, I like "Royale Noir". Haven't used it in ages, though as I stopped using Windows personally. The few XP desktops I keep supporting, I installed it as default. Well, I do if a re-installation was necessary. Most people seem to really prefer it over the Luna scheme.
I have currently over 20 windows open... On dual-screen. It's not a problem, I just hide those I'm not actively using. You do have a point between task-segmentation. I used to do that too.
I would still be using Windows 2000, if it didn't lack two things: Decent wireless support (from the OS itself, all manufacturer control panels I've seen suck donkeys balls) and the Fast User Switching (very useful in a family setting).
Same situation for me. Both my mom and mother in law use Ubuntu and I support them. I haven't show Unity to either of tjhem. It's going to be hell, especially for mother in law. She already revels in the "I'm a little blonde stupid sexbomb" mindset that "does not understand computers", so this is not going to help.
My mom already said she'll be willing to learn. At least she has the correct mindset. However if it doesn't work out well, I'll have to find alternatives. Going Debian/Gnome2, perhaps, but how long till Gnome2 gets abandoned?
Yes. You can usually put it back. Thing is: the default is important... Very important. I support Ubuntu users, I need to know what they get per default, I need to know how it works. This is the most important reason for me to stick to default. I have no problem installing Debian with WindowMaker (for example). I've done it before, but my users won't be using that.
Back in my XP days, I remember I found out I had to change a lot of stuff on users desktops if I wanted to help them. Control panel, not set to "Classic" view, no file extensions, whatever... So, I help them and it leaves their desktop in a foreign state for them, which then results in more support calls. So, I had to put it to my taste, help them, then put it back. A lot of trouble just because I was not using the default myself. That's exactly what I try to avoid these days.
This is also why dynamic menus are a bad idea... (Ala hidden menus in WinXP/Office)
Well, one thing you do if you adapt yourself is dropping stuff that doesn't work. I stopped using virtual desktops, just like I stopped using maximized windows. I just tested, and when I do switch to another virtual desktop and all running applications are indeed still show in the "Dock".
I agree, it's braindead. Do note that I said (in the linked journal) that I did change a lot of my habits. Moving to Unity was akin to when I moved from Windows to Mac OS X in 2001. I was so horribly frustrated, that I simply had to blank my mind and relearn how to use the totally different concept. I felt very dumb for a month or two, that's why it's so hard to switch graphical user interfaces and it shouldn't be done nilly-willy.
It's exactly that part that I can't seem to do. They all sound the same to me. Believe me, I've had dancing lessons (that's all about rhythm) for my wedding, I put a lot of effort amd time into it for my wife... I managed to dance that "first dance"... N e v e r a g a i n! Oh, and "managed" means; Please don't show the movies made from *that* to anyone.
Rhythm is something you're born with. You cannot learn it. I'm sure your friend had at least a notion for rhythm. I'm also pretty sure your friend played horribly, but from what I've seen chicks get their panties wet from a guitar playing dude especially if he's at least halfway good looking. The music played is non-essential. Not sure why this is... His goal was not the music, his goal was getting in their panties.
Indeed, there is something wrong with everyone ditching mature products... So now Unity is "ok". I found that after adapting myself to it, it works. Not as great as Gnome2 did, but I can live with it as a default desktop. However, they're going to change even more. I wrote about this mindset a while ago.. For the TL;DR crowd: Mature software is not seen as something "good" but as "something to be replaced". It's a sad time we live in.
Are you sure? Do you like music? If you like classical music, jazz or blues it's very probable that you have the talent and that your teachers were too occupied pulling their hear instead of awaking the interest in you.
Yes, and yes... I like listening to music, but there is a difference between listening to music and making any, being able to keep rhythm, being able read notes (I still do no understand how such a braindead notation could even exist, but some people must be able to read it). I am completely atonal. I'll give you another example: I like art, my wife is an artist, she can and does paint. Could I? At the same level she does? Just by training? Very very unlikely even with years of training... However, I do like art, in exactly the same way I like music. As a consumer.
I just expect them not to be bureaucrats and think a little bit (basically they should be doing the same thing that Socrates did on streets of Athens).
In the teaching-classes I took, they were extolling the virtues of involvement-based teaching, etc... Yet, applying none of the concepts themselves. On top of that, I know of aspriant-teachers that did exactly what was being taught in their teaching-classes, only to be told "the next one you'd better do a full-frontal, because that's what we want to see". The "teaching formation", I got was basically one big bureaucracy up to the wazoo full of hypocrites. I love explaining interesting stuff from field, but I dislike hypocrisy, dishonesty and the level of bureaucracy involved. I could not imagine a life full of that, which is another reason why I quit. I pretty much have a whole list, and yet, I still regret not being one because I did like the teaching part.
The process of teaching must start in kindergarten, have it's full power during elementary school and specialize and guide abstract thinking afterwards. To start in puberty to bring them basics is off course too late.
I think we agree on the basics on how teaching should be done. However, I still am convinced that even basic computer literacy has no place as a separate subject in any school. Well, then teach graphs and trees in Math and use it to explain directory structures. That would make sense. Graphic encoding as an application of a function. That's just examples, there is surely more you can come up with.
Coding and abstract thinking is something you should train,
Yes, but you can only train a "talent"... If the talent is completely non-existing in the kid, then no amount of training will do any good. That's why, until today, I suck completely at music. My teachers, back then, pulled their hair out with me as a pupil. This stuff goed completely above my head and no amount of training could get me to play anything.
Absolutely true! But before that, educate teachers not just to read-out what is written in school books (children at that age already know how to read), but to explain, lead and animate children. They are all explorers, just give them guidances.
Yes... I know, I've been a teacher in training. You pretty much quote from the "Teaching for Dummies" handbook.;-) I also know how difficult, if not impossible, it is. You can do this, perhaps for one or two periods in a week... It requires so much preparation, it's insane... so much more can go wrong. Preparing a standard frontal-only period is already a lot of work (if you're not experienced, but you're a teacher in training: you're not).
Basically: you expect superhuman abilities from teachers... Yes, that expectation is one that made me quit too.
I'd say: try it... not a handfull of kids, a full class including the "characters" that are already completely demotivated. Preferably in full puberty....
I'm not 100% certain, but the "explorer" part ceases to exist around puberty.... My experience, I might be 100% off.
What is basic computer literacy? That has change a lot over time. Back in my day, you needed to know what a computer did to actually use the thing. Those times are definitely over. Those so called "Digital Natives" aren't. They are actually worse than those who need to "learn" the thing, because at least those people understand this is something you learn.
I have taught "Computer Literacy" at high school. 13-14 year old. It was clear that the abstract concepts were too much for many of them. According to pedagogy, that's not entirely unexpected because at that age abstract thinking is way in early stages. I know it's elitist to say (and as a teacher, you're not supposed to even think about that possibility), but coding and the abstract thinking needed for it is a property of the kid, not something you can really teach.
As for the typical computer literacy courses? A few about basic components of the computer, file management and then it veers to how to use productivity apps. For most of the kids that means learning by heart how to reproduce certain sequences. All in all: it has as much use as learning poems by heart. Well, at least with that you can impress some people.
I quit the teaching profession, mainly because what is sold as "computer science" in high school has nothing to do with it. I wouldn't even call it "computer literacy". There were other reasons into which I don't want to get, but believe me when pay wasn't one of them.
School should teach writing, reading, math, foreign languages, physics, chemistry, biology, history and geography and most important: problem solving skills. Problem solving skills is the only thing that will advance them.
1$ = 1€ has been standard for everything electronics and software, ever since the dollar became weak. Be glad you're not living in the UK where it is 1$ = 1£. I don't like it either, but non Dollar users are second class world citizens.
What the Desura client concerns: first thing to fix is that it gets installed multi-user in a correct way. Then it's up to the Distro maintainers to package it correctly and put it in their reporitories.
Aaaah, Psion... I used to have (I still have it somewhere, I think) a Psion Revo+. I had Opera on it for webbrowsing and coupled with my Siemens S35i (which had an IRDA interface) I could surf and check my email everywhere. Sure, it wasn't speedy over GPRS, nor cheap... but it worked. I also remember the built-in email client fondly. That was just a Revo+, they had much better gear. Also keep in mind this was around 10 years ago!
Try buying a Atom D5xx based machine and see if it comes with DVI. Yes, HDMI, if you're lucky... Intel D525MW is the "top of the line Atom" (okay, I know, you know what I mean). VGA-out only.
Many lower-end motherboards with integrated graphics ship VGA-only... Got a Dell last fall for work and of course there was no budget. Skimped everywhere... VGA-only...
I don't know for those very high resolutions, but classic 1080p works fine over VGA. Back in the CRT days, I used a 1600x1200 monitor over VGA just fine too.
I've seen smaller TVs with 1440x900 for around 150€, the 1920x1080 smaller TVs are still over 200€. Given the same LCD panels are used in TVs than in monitors, I doubt resolution is a big problem. Especially in the cheaper monitor segment: those all seem to be 1368x768, 1440x900 or 1920x1080.
Keep in mind that those TVs come with integrated speakers, at least one HDMI port, one VGA port and usually a scart connector. I've been thinking of getting one when the 1920x1090 models hit 150€, and use it as my main computer screen (I currently use a vintage 1280x1024, I really do prefer that aspect ratio as a PC monitor), but also attach my PS2 (yes, not PS3, I don't buy as many toys as I used to being married and all) and move it away from the living room. It means that TVs have better connectivity than normal LCD Monitors.
You're probably right... I haven't shopped much around, but I have been tempted ever since my wife got her iMac 27". Anyway, if you've got a defective monitor now and the story is true, you're in a bad position. Monitors usually last much longer than computers. Heck, I still have my 1024x768 15" LCD flat panel (VGA, obviously), which I bought in 2000 or so. It was insanely expensive, but it was worth it because it saved so much desk space. It is currently connected to my parents server, for occasional console work. Usually ssh suffices though.
Millions of monitors (Hey, up until recently many cheaper LCD panels were VGA-Only) and more importantly many projectors will become useless. Projectors aren't your 150€ "special" at your local electronic store. Furthermore, if you've been thinking of buying a monitor now (for example, the 2560x1440 are finally getting into "acceptable" price range), think again... Your next computer might just not like it if it's DVI/VGA.
That said, I've seen the trend (with comsumers) to simply buy a smaller TV with HDMI/VGA and use that as a monitor. It's often cheaper than an equivalent monitor. Go figure...
Yet another adapter to carry around, *if* you can even use an adapter.
Yes, my father just got FTTH on Monday. The router has an option for IPv6, it's disabled by default and marked "Not recommended". My ISP offers IPv6 from what I see on their webpage though. Personally (I use the same ISP), I've been trying to get it running, but I seem to need a fixed IPv6 block because my router is a Soekris net5501-70 running OpenBSD (4.8, you don't upgrade these things at each release). You cannot run rtsold when the machine is a router and I have the impression that the PPP user daemon doesn't support it. This means IPv4 for me... I asked for a fixed IPv6 block at my ISP (who usually are competent) and they don't do that (yet). Also, they couldn't tell me whether it would be free or come with a cost. If I want a fixed IPv4, it "only" cost 25€/month which I don't pay as DynDNS does the trick for me.
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However, Gnome2 does things that Gnome3 doesn't do, or emulates badly. If Gnome3 can emulate a Gnome2 environment perfectly, plus adding in additional features, I'm all for it. Currently it doesn't.
How long will I be able to stick with Gnome2? One year? Two? Nobody knows... When it's completely dead, will Gnome3 have feature parity? Nobody knows either! That's the whole thing: we are talking about stability and maturity. We are now in a time where desktops should strive for those qualities, and align with the server mentality.
So, yes, you have a fair point... Let's just say that the execution is "lacking".
I don't do that as a job... I help and support people out of the kindness of my heart. As for the Fisher Price theme. You can change that without impacting the rest. Personally, I like "Royale Noir". Haven't used it in ages, though as I stopped using Windows personally. The few XP desktops I keep supporting, I installed it as default. Well, I do if a re-installation was necessary. Most people seem to really prefer it over the Luna scheme.
Lost it ages ago, you can have it if you find it.
I have currently over 20 windows open... On dual-screen. It's not a problem, I just hide those I'm not actively using. You do have a point between task-segmentation. I used to do that too.
I would still be using Windows 2000, if it didn't lack two things: Decent wireless support (from the OS itself, all manufacturer control panels I've seen suck donkeys balls) and the Fast User Switching (very useful in a family setting).
Same situation for me. Both my mom and mother in law use Ubuntu and I support them. I haven't show Unity to either of tjhem. It's going to be hell, especially for mother in law. She already revels in the "I'm a little blonde stupid sexbomb" mindset that "does not understand computers", so this is not going to help.
My mom already said she'll be willing to learn. At least she has the correct mindset. However if it doesn't work out well, I'll have to find alternatives. Going Debian/Gnome2, perhaps, but how long till Gnome2 gets abandoned?
Concerning UIs, I really look into a sad future.
Back in my XP days, I remember I found out I had to change a lot of stuff on users desktops if I wanted to help them. Control panel, not set to "Classic" view, no file extensions, whatever... So, I help them and it leaves their desktop in a foreign state for them, which then results in more support calls. So, I had to put it to my taste, help them, then put it back. A lot of trouble just because I was not using the default myself. That's exactly what I try to avoid these days.
This is also why dynamic menus are a bad idea... (Ala hidden menus in WinXP/Office)
I support users... Users will be using Unity, I need to know it. The world doesn't revolve around me.
Damn, you beat me to it...
Well, one thing you do if you adapt yourself is dropping stuff that doesn't work. I stopped using virtual desktops, just like I stopped using maximized windows. I just tested, and when I do switch to another virtual desktop and all running applications are indeed still show in the "Dock".
I agree, it's braindead. Do note that I said (in the linked journal) that I did change a lot of my habits. Moving to Unity was akin to when I moved from Windows to Mac OS X in 2001. I was so horribly frustrated, that I simply had to blank my mind and relearn how to use the totally different concept. I felt very dumb for a month or two, that's why it's so hard to switch graphical user interfaces and it shouldn't be done nilly-willy.
It's exactly that part that I can't seem to do. They all sound the same to me. Believe me, I've had dancing lessons (that's all about rhythm) for my wedding, I put a lot of effort amd time into it for my wife... I managed to dance that "first dance"... N e v e r a g a i n! Oh, and "managed" means; Please don't show the movies made from *that* to anyone.
Rhythm is something you're born with. You cannot learn it. I'm sure your friend had at least a notion for rhythm. I'm also pretty sure your friend played horribly, but from what I've seen chicks get their panties wet from a guitar playing dude especially if he's at least halfway good looking. The music played is non-essential. Not sure why this is... His goal was not the music, his goal was getting in their panties.
Indeed, there is something wrong with everyone ditching mature products... So now Unity is "ok". I found that after adapting myself to it, it works. Not as great as Gnome2 did, but I can live with it as a default desktop. However, they're going to change even more. I wrote about this mindset a while ago.. For the TL;DR crowd: Mature software is not seen as something "good" but as "something to be replaced". It's a sad time we live in.
Yes, and yes... I like listening to music, but there is a difference between listening to music and making any, being able to keep rhythm, being able read notes (I still do no understand how such a braindead notation could even exist, but some people must be able to read it). I am completely atonal. I'll give you another example: I like art, my wife is an artist, she can and does paint. Could I? At the same level she does? Just by training? Very very unlikely even with years of training... However, I do like art, in exactly the same way I like music. As a consumer.
In the teaching-classes I took, they were extolling the virtues of involvement-based teaching, etc... Yet, applying none of the concepts themselves. On top of that, I know of aspriant-teachers that did exactly what was being taught in their teaching-classes, only to be told "the next one you'd better do a full-frontal, because that's what we want to see". The "teaching formation", I got was basically one big bureaucracy up to the wazoo full of hypocrites. I love explaining interesting stuff from field, but I dislike hypocrisy, dishonesty and the level of bureaucracy involved. I could not imagine a life full of that, which is another reason why I quit. I pretty much have a whole list, and yet, I still regret not being one because I did like the teaching part.
I think we agree on the basics on how teaching should be done. However, I still am convinced that even basic computer literacy has no place as a separate subject in any school. Well, then teach graphs and trees in Math and use it to explain directory structures. That would make sense. Graphic encoding as an application of a function. That's just examples, there is surely more you can come up with.
I tip my hat to you... Excellent point.
Yes, but you can only train a "talent"... If the talent is completely non-existing in the kid, then no amount of training will do any good. That's why, until today, I suck completely at music. My teachers, back then, pulled their hair out with me as a pupil. This stuff goed completely above my head and no amount of training could get me to play anything.
Yes... I know, I've been a teacher in training. You pretty much quote from the "Teaching for Dummies" handbook. ;-) I also know how difficult, if not impossible, it is. You can do this, perhaps for one or two periods in a week... It requires so much preparation, it's insane... so much more can go wrong. Preparing a standard frontal-only period is already a lot of work (if you're not experienced, but you're a teacher in training: you're not).
Basically: you expect superhuman abilities from teachers... Yes, that expectation is one that made me quit too.
I'd say: try it... not a handfull of kids, a full class including the "characters" that are already completely demotivated. Preferably in full puberty....
I'm not 100% certain, but the "explorer" part ceases to exist around puberty.... My experience, I might be 100% off.
I have taught "Computer Literacy" at high school. 13-14 year old. It was clear that the abstract concepts were too much for many of them. According to pedagogy, that's not entirely unexpected because at that age abstract thinking is way in early stages. I know it's elitist to say (and as a teacher, you're not supposed to even think about that possibility), but coding and the abstract thinking needed for it is a property of the kid, not something you can really teach.
As for the typical computer literacy courses? A few about basic components of the computer, file management and then it veers to how to use productivity apps. For most of the kids that means learning by heart how to reproduce certain sequences. All in all: it has as much use as learning poems by heart. Well, at least with that you can impress some people.
I quit the teaching profession, mainly because what is sold as "computer science" in high school has nothing to do with it. I wouldn't even call it "computer literacy". There were other reasons into which I don't want to get, but believe me when pay wasn't one of them.
School should teach writing, reading, math, foreign languages, physics, chemistry, biology, history and geography and most important: problem solving skills. Problem solving skills is the only thing that will advance them.
What the Desura client concerns: first thing to fix is that it gets installed multi-user in a correct way. Then it's up to the Distro maintainers to package it correctly and put it in their reporitories.
Aaaah, Psion... I used to have (I still have it somewhere, I think) a Psion Revo+. I had Opera on it for webbrowsing and coupled with my Siemens S35i (which had an IRDA interface) I could surf and check my email everywhere. Sure, it wasn't speedy over GPRS, nor cheap... but it worked. I also remember the built-in email client fondly. That was just a Revo+, they had much better gear. Also keep in mind this was around 10 years ago!
Try buying a Atom D5xx based machine and see if it comes with DVI. Yes, HDMI, if you're lucky... Intel D525MW is the "top of the line Atom" (okay, I know, you know what I mean). VGA-out only.
Many lower-end motherboards with integrated graphics ship VGA-only... Got a Dell last fall for work and of course there was no budget. Skimped everywhere... VGA-only...
Expense? The days of shelling out 500€++ for a monitor are over for me. I still use a 1280x1024 LCD panel as my main home computer screen.
I don't know for those very high resolutions, but classic 1080p works fine over VGA. Back in the CRT days, I used a 1600x1200 monitor over VGA just fine too.
I've seen smaller TVs with 1440x900 for around 150€, the 1920x1080 smaller TVs are still over 200€. Given the same LCD panels are used in TVs than in monitors, I doubt resolution is a big problem. Especially in the cheaper monitor segment: those all seem to be 1368x768, 1440x900 or 1920x1080.
Keep in mind that those TVs come with integrated speakers, at least one HDMI port, one VGA port and usually a scart connector. I've been thinking of getting one when the 1920x1090 models hit 150€, and use it as my main computer screen (I currently use a vintage 1280x1024, I really do prefer that aspect ratio as a PC monitor), but also attach my PS2 (yes, not PS3, I don't buy as many toys as I used to being married and all) and move it away from the living room. It means that TVs have better connectivity than normal LCD Monitors.
You're probably right... I haven't shopped much around, but I have been tempted ever since my wife got her iMac 27". Anyway, if you've got a defective monitor now and the story is true, you're in a bad position. Monitors usually last much longer than computers. Heck, I still have my 1024x768 15" LCD flat panel (VGA, obviously), which I bought in 2000 or so. It was insanely expensive, but it was worth it because it saved so much desk space. It is currently connected to my parents server, for occasional console work. Usually ssh suffices though.
Millions of monitors (Hey, up until recently many cheaper LCD panels were VGA-Only) and more importantly many projectors will become useless. Projectors aren't your 150€ "special" at your local electronic store. Furthermore, if you've been thinking of buying a monitor now (for example, the 2560x1440 are finally getting into "acceptable" price range), think again... Your next computer might just not like it if it's DVI/VGA.
That said, I've seen the trend (with comsumers) to simply buy a smaller TV with HDMI/VGA and use that as a monitor. It's often cheaper than an equivalent monitor. Go figure...
Yet another adapter to carry around, *if* you can even use an adapter.
Yes, my father just got FTTH on Monday. The router has an option for IPv6, it's disabled by default and marked "Not recommended". My ISP offers IPv6 from what I see on their webpage though. Personally (I use the same ISP), I've been trying to get it running, but I seem to need a fixed IPv6 block because my router is a Soekris net5501-70 running OpenBSD (4.8, you don't upgrade these things at each release). You cannot run rtsold when the machine is a router and I have the impression that the PPP user daemon doesn't support it. This means IPv4 for me... I asked for a fixed IPv6 block at my ISP (who usually are competent) and they don't do that (yet). Also, they couldn't tell me whether it would be free or come with a cost. If I want a fixed IPv4, it "only" cost 25€/month which I don't pay as DynDNS does the trick for me.