Everybody is different so I don't know if this will help but here are some of the things I've done in the past that have worked for me:
* Start an exercise program during lunchtime or in the mornings. I prefer cycling since it allows me time to think while I'm working out.
* Build a "creativity dump". This is a side project that is just for entertainment. When you get totally burnt on your current project, you set that aside for a while and play with your entertainment project. Currently, I have a little black book that I write stories in and log humerous observations hoping that someday I can put together a five minute comedy routine.
* Learn meditation - I don't mean meditate on the problem, I mean totally clear your mind. Works best for me at night. If I can get the conscious mind to "shut up for a while", it often jump starts my creative process. I've ofter dreamt the answer to problems after doing this.
* Just get the hell away from the whole thing for a while.
It appears that we are "getting our hands around" another aspect of nature. The technology is promising without a doubt and I look forward to positive results. I guess my main fear is that humankinds track record as far as nature is concered leaves a little to be desired. The pattern seems to be that, by the time the harm is discovered, it's either too late to do anything about it or there is such an infrastructure surrounding it that it's too hard to stop. Case in point would be Freon (R-12). It's pretty much accepted that its damaging effects to the upper atmosphere were known since the 1950's. It took an awful long time to get that under control.
....I hope we tread lightly here until we're sure we know what we're doing and what the consequences are.....
After having read the article, it does sort of appear that the author is using this event because they have an axe to grind regarding Doom, etc. (good thing they weren't into Carmageddon). Anyway, my first impression is that it should be filed under "backwards subliminal satanic messages" in popular music and other such nonsense.
From what little information I have obtained about this incident, I can't help but get the impression that there was a strong class separation dynamic that could have fed this rage.
When everyone is done grinding axes and jockying for media approval, I'd be interested in seeing what the real investigation turns up.
I am not comparing operating systems at all. I am talking about useability. Since it is clear that your discussion style is limited to threats (I'll have the clue stick waiting for you) and insults (are you retarded?), I will no longer concern myself with responding to you or waste any more of slashdot's bandwidth. If you would like to try an intelligent conversation some time, perhaps I could accommodate you.
The "average computer user" does not mess with NT nor does he attempt dual boot. Before picking up that clue stick, perhaps you should reread my post. I am mearly suggesting that if the goal is to make Linux mainstream, then it must be intuitive enough for the uninitiated. If you want to keep Linux elitist, than don't worry about it.
BTW - talking about an "average computer user" configuing a network on NT clearly shows how out of touch you are with what an average computer user is. Try using the clue stick on yourself.
Let's be honest with each other, Linux documentation ranges from quite good to darned near useless. It is also often written by people who assume that the readers have some background knowledge that not everyone has. This will become more true as Linux popularity increases. I am a reasonably intellegent person but I don't have a specific computer background. It took me a while to get accustomed to the man page format (which is quite good once you get used to it). I have also hit Linux chat rooms on more than one occasion because I was stuck and the HOWTO's weren't helping. For the uninitiated, Linux takes some effort to get the hang of. I now spend more and more time is those chat rooms helping new users and sometimes admonishing others to go easy on the new guys.
On the other hand, another popular OS can be installed by just about anyone capable of finding the on switch on their computers. If any Linux distribution is serious about competing as a mainstream OS, the interface must be simple enough for the average computer user. Linux users, for now, tend to be above average in computer knowledge.
As a personal example, I have been using FVWM2 on my Linux installation and my wife is constantly pointing out areas where my interface configuration is not clear. I kinda see it as a way to improve my programming skills.
Bottom line is, if you want Linux to be mainstream, then there has to be at least one distribution that is intuitive to the average computer user....and that will not be an easy task.
Slashdot Mirror
Ya know, I bet somewhere out there is an Esperanto advocacy group saying something along the lines of "Finally! a chance to make ourselves known!"
Everybody is different so I don't know if this
will help but here are some of the things I've
done in the past that have worked for me:
* Start an exercise program during lunchtime or in
the mornings. I prefer cycling since it allows
me time to think while I'm working out.
* Build a "creativity dump". This is a side
project that is just for entertainment. When
you get totally burnt on your current project,
you set that aside for a while and play with
your entertainment project. Currently, I have
a little black book that I write stories in and
log humerous observations hoping that someday I
can put together a five minute comedy routine.
* Learn meditation - I don't mean meditate on the
problem, I mean totally clear your mind. Works
best for me at night. If I can get the
conscious mind to "shut up for a while", it
often jump starts my creative process. I've
ofter dreamt the answer to problems after doing
this.
* Just get the hell away from the whole thing for
a while.
I hope this is of some help. Good luck
It appears that we are "getting our hands around" another aspect of nature. The technology is promising without a doubt and I look forward to positive results. I guess my main fear is that humankinds track record as far as nature is concered leaves a little to be desired. The pattern seems to be that, by the time the harm is discovered, it's either too late to do anything about it or there is such an infrastructure surrounding it that it's too hard to stop. Case in point would be Freon (R-12). It's pretty much accepted that its damaging effects to the upper atmosphere were known since the 1950's. It took an awful long time to get that under control.
....I hope we tread lightly here until we're sure we know what we're doing and what the consequences are.....
After having read the article, it does sort of appear that the author is using this event because they have an axe to grind regarding Doom, etc. (good thing they weren't into Carmageddon). Anyway, my first impression is that it should be filed under "backwards subliminal satanic messages" in popular music and other such nonsense.
From what little information I have obtained about this incident, I can't help but get the impression that there was a strong class separation dynamic that could have fed this rage.
When everyone is done grinding axes and jockying for media approval, I'd be interested in seeing what the real investigation turns up.
I am not comparing operating systems at all. I am talking about useability. Since it is clear that your discussion style is limited to threats (I'll have the clue stick waiting for you) and insults (are you retarded?), I will no longer concern myself with responding to you or waste any more of slashdot's bandwidth. If you would like to try an intelligent conversation some time, perhaps I could accommodate you.
The "average computer user" does not mess with NT nor does he attempt dual boot. Before picking up that clue stick, perhaps you should reread my post. I am mearly suggesting that if the goal is to make Linux mainstream, then it must be intuitive enough for the uninitiated. If you want to keep Linux elitist, than don't worry about it.
BTW - talking about an "average computer user" configuing a network on NT clearly shows how out of touch you are with what an average computer user is. Try using the clue stick on yourself.
Let's be honest with each other, Linux documentation ranges from quite good to darned near useless. It is also often written by people who assume that the readers have some background knowledge that not everyone has. This will become more true as Linux popularity increases. I am a reasonably intellegent person but I don't have a specific computer background. It took me a while to get accustomed to the man page format (which is quite good once you get used to it). I have also hit Linux chat rooms on more than one occasion because I was stuck and the HOWTO's weren't helping. For the uninitiated, Linux takes some effort to get the hang of. I now spend more and more time is those chat rooms helping new users and sometimes admonishing others to go easy on the new guys.
On the other hand, another popular OS can be installed by just about anyone capable of finding the on switch on their computers. If any Linux distribution is serious about competing as a mainstream OS, the interface must be simple enough for the average computer user. Linux users, for now, tend to be above average in computer knowledge.
As a personal example, I have been using FVWM2 on my Linux installation and my wife is constantly pointing out areas where my interface configuration is not clear. I kinda see it as a way to improve my programming skills.
Bottom line is, if you want Linux to be mainstream, then there has to be at least one distribution that is intuitive to the average computer user....and that will not be an easy task.