Just think:
Why do most desktop users use Windows? - ease of use.
Why do most desktop users NOT use Linux? - difficulty of use.
Making an interface prettier, and essentially brainless, is the attracting feature for 90% of user-land. Im not just talking about the GUI, but rather every function of the OS.
Try to get a user to install modem/sound drivers on linux, and they are lost. Have them do the same thing in WindowsXP, and theres a good chance theyll accomplish it sooner or later.
Linux is a great server, workstation, and programming OS. Windows is a great multimedia, easy, and 'fun' OS.
The one thing that Linux can't touch Windows on, is the appearance of the Desktop, and ease of use of the GUI.
Sure they should spend more on security, but the stability for standard desktop usage (email, browsing, games), is really quite good.
How can Microsoft fend off the Linux-desktop challenge? By making their OS prettier, friendlier, easier, and maintainable for the 90% of user-land out there that has no clue what Linux even is.
Common people who arent computer nerds pirate music because they dont want to consider 20 different variables when they buy/rent/watch movies/music.
Blockbuster is popular because its easy.
Rent. Watch. Return.
Online outlets for things like this are more complex.
Buy. Download. Pause. Resume. Finish Download. Watch. Delete.
Not to mention the codec/player difficulties of different platforms.
Standards is where its at. DVD, VHS, CD....
Ease of use is key. DRM seems to only complicate the matter entirely.
Thats exactly why people pirate.
Download. Listen. Smile.
Slashdot Mirror
Lol. Funniest thing I've read today.
Comrade mode....lol.
Just think: Why do most desktop users use Windows? - ease of use. Why do most desktop users NOT use Linux? - difficulty of use. Making an interface prettier, and essentially brainless, is the attracting feature for 90% of user-land. Im not just talking about the GUI, but rather every function of the OS. Try to get a user to install modem/sound drivers on linux, and they are lost. Have them do the same thing in WindowsXP, and theres a good chance theyll accomplish it sooner or later. Linux is a great server, workstation, and programming OS. Windows is a great multimedia, easy, and 'fun' OS. The one thing that Linux can't touch Windows on, is the appearance of the Desktop, and ease of use of the GUI. Sure they should spend more on security, but the stability for standard desktop usage (email, browsing, games), is really quite good. How can Microsoft fend off the Linux-desktop challenge? By making their OS prettier, friendlier, easier, and maintainable for the 90% of user-land out there that has no clue what Linux even is.
Common people who arent computer nerds pirate music because they dont want to consider 20 different variables when they buy/rent/watch movies/music. Blockbuster is popular because its easy. Rent. Watch. Return. Online outlets for things like this are more complex. Buy. Download. Pause. Resume. Finish Download. Watch. Delete. Not to mention the codec/player difficulties of different platforms. Standards is where its at. DVD, VHS, CD.... Ease of use is key. DRM seems to only complicate the matter entirely. Thats exactly why people pirate. Download. Listen. Smile.