Unfortunately, many schools in the U.S. teach kids that a theory becomes a law when it holds up to 100% of experiments. The even sadder thing is that they use Newton's law of gravity as an example for this.
That's the way I learned it, and was rather surprised when I got to college and learned that was not how the scientific community uses the terms.
Actually, I do know some programming, just not enough to make a professional-quality port. And, since you know so much, what is the reason for not porting?
I would imagine that there are even people who would be willing to do the port for them for free. If I knew enough about programming, I know I sure would.
The day my mother (who is a total technophobe) can turn on a linux machine and not feel any discomfort is the day when I know Linux has a fair fight with Windows.
I don't know about your mother, but most technophobes I've met can't even turn on a windows machine and not feel any discomfort.
Let's face it, there are a vast majority of computer users out there who do not know what the word "compile" means.
Just about everything comes in binaries too, but unfortunately there are still a few things that don't (mplayer for example). But, with an ideal package manager Joe Schmoe shouldn't even have to worry about whether or not something needs to be compiled anyways. Perhaps while it's compiling it could say "Optimizing the software for your computer" or some similar dumbed-down message.
While I love Linux, I would have to agree that it's not quite there yet for technophobes, but for everyone else it is (as long as the user has a distro that suits their skill level), and it's great!
Although, for technophobes with on-call tech support (ie geek relative), Linux may actually be a better solution.
I realize that. My post was mailny geared towards the parent poster and his situation with his couple of relatives. I wasn't expecting a +4 Insightful out of it, and I certainly don't expect somebody to do it for everyone they know.
I have suggested they try linux. But they are nearly at the point of no return. They fear computer, they fear the hassle, virus scans, repair etc. What's the world coming to.
If they are not dependant on any Windows-only software (that won't run in Wine) then why not offer to set up Linux for them. Give them Gnome or KDE with icons for everything they need on their desktop and in their "start menu." (And no other icons)
And tell them that you will set it up so the only things they have to look at are the things they need.
Then ssh into their computers anytime an update is necessary.
I would imagine they would be pretty happy with a computer that was less prone to virus attacks.
The day someone can come home and stick in a CD and install a printer driver for their new HP Laserjet
I don't know about HP Laserjets, or their corresponding CDs, but when I used Fedora I plugged in my Lexmark Z25, booted up and it said "New Hardware Found - Lexmark Z25 Printer"
No CD required. So, I guess what's needed then is to require the CD?
Note: not all distributions will automatically detect hardware, but newbies shouldn't be using advanced distributions anyways.
Notice that the moderation points are distributed as 40% offtopic, and 10% troll right now.
Yet again showing the world that those Linux zealots are scared of the truth, trying to hide your words below the threshold of many of the readers here.
Umm... the post is offtopic dude. As for the troll, that may have been a zealot.
it's true you can pick from a billion different WMs, none of them come close to Aqua. I realize that's just my opinion...
Exactly, it's all about preference. Personally if I planned on using KDE or Gnome I would just use Linux rather than OS X. What's the point of having Aqua taking up hard drive space if I'm never going to use it.
Also as other people have said, some people prefer to use free software over proprietary software.
By the way, why are you posting AC? Do you not have an account, or are you just afraid of zealot-mods?
How does the point still stand. Linux is much much much more than skinable.
First of all, there is a large selection of window managers (much more than just KDE or Gnome). Or, if you prefer you can go without a GUI. Now, after you select your window manager, you can do a lot more than just skin it. You can change the feel of it too.
Of course, not everybody wants a customizeable UI, and that's fine. My original point was that some people might want something more customizeable than what OSX offers them, and installing Linux would give that to them.
I don't really know why I'm responding though, anybody who thinks that Linux is merely skinable obviously has never tried it.
However, I can't see myself ever thinking "Boy, I sure wish my computer's UI was way crappier than the one I bought...let's install Linux!"
Yeah most people probably wouldn't ever think that. They may however think something like "Boy, I sure wish my computer's UI was way more customizable than the one I bought...let's install Linux!"
It all boils down to the users preferences.
Of course, applications would probably factor into the decision to install Linux as well.
I don't know if he was saying KDE is better looking than XP, but I am. It all depends on which style you use. Personally I use "Plastik" with "Glow" title bars, and I think it looks much better than Win XP.
As for the feel, sure I have a taskbar, and program windows are square with a scroll wheel on the right and a menu on the top (usually). However I have the focus set to follow the mouse, I have eight desktops, I've defined my own shorcut keys, I keep several programs "Always on Top", etc. etc.
I personally can't stand the Windows interface now that I'm used to KDE. But to each his own.
By the way, I'm using KDE 3.2.1, so it's not futuristic, and you've likely heard of it.
I know. Knowing them there will probably be a MSN search bar in IE. Plus a "Search the Web with MSN" icon on your desktop, in your quick launch, under Start, under Start --> Internet, under Start --> Search, under Start --> Internet --> Search, under Start --> Search --> Internet, under Start --> Accessories, under Start --> Accessories -- Internet, under Start --> Accessories --> Search, in "My Computer", and in the task manager.
Personally the reason I don't have any pirated software is I've found everything I need on packages.gentoo.org, and freshmeat.net. (With the exception of a few games, which I was glad to pay for).
I do understand why people pirate some software, like Photoshop, Autocad, etc... They're industry standard and too damn expensive. And, I can see how this could potentially block out smaller competitors.
However, due to the continuing growth in popluarity of OSS, the software industry is destined to change. Piracy isn't any concern for OSS.
Linux is a "scratch an itch" product, and that's why it will never be truly ready for the desktop, because the people who write for it, as a general rule, despise end users as technically illiterate
Try a modern distro (perhaps found in my sig), and then try your post again.
It's already happened. Read the other posts in this thread.
The same reason documentation is lagging in FOSS, its not "cool". Everyone wants to be in on the latest desktop environment / compiler / kernel because it gets the publicity. A screen reader will not give you the cool factor that submitting a patch for the kernel would.
If you develop OSS to be "cool" then you must have a very boring life.
And unlike commercial software, there is no profit motive.
That's pretty much true. OSS developers tend to program in order to make useful utilities for themseleves or others. Not just to make a buck. (Although, you can make a buck because OSS is about freedom not free prices).
I really don't know anything about the technicalites of this, so this suggestion could be worthless but...
Couldn't it be set up so that when you know in advance you're going to be doing business with somebody you could pre-authorize them if you know the pertenant information.
I would imagine companies could then have the IT department authorize any new companies/persons who they would need to be doing business with. Then if somebody who is doing business with your company gets referred to you, there would be no need for another authorization.
Obviously this wouldn't work in all situations (how many things in life do work in "all situations"?) but I would imagine it would help in many situations.
I know if I could do that with my personal email I would.
Slashdot Mirror
Gentoo has very very few binary packages. But, most Gentoo users (like me) accept compiling as part of using it.
If you're looking for a power-user Linux with binaries, Debian would probably be a better way to go.
And, I don't understand how this article is at all news. Hasn't FreeBSD had this for years?
Unfortunately, many schools in the U.S. teach kids that a theory becomes a law when it holds up to 100% of experiments. The even sadder thing is that they use Newton's law of gravity as an example for this.
That's the way I learned it, and was rather surprised when I got to college and learned that was not how the scientific community uses the terms.
So, that brings me back to the question: If you know so much, what is the reason for not making a professional quality port?
Why would that be so difficult?
I really would like an answer. I'm not trying to be a smartass or anything.
Actually, I do know some programming, just not enough to make a professional-quality port. And, since you know so much, what is the reason for not porting?
I doubt it would cost them much at all.
I would imagine that there are even people who would be willing to do the port for them for free. If I knew enough about programming, I know I sure would.
That's bloody genius!
I never even thought of that. If they do set it up that way I will definately be dropping my three yahoo accounts and signing up for three GMail ones.
The hardware limitations are part of the reason Apple offers such a solid, well-functioning OS.
The day my mother (who is a total technophobe) can turn on a linux machine and not feel any discomfort is the day when I know Linux has a fair fight with Windows.
I don't know about your mother, but most technophobes I've met can't even turn on a windows machine and not feel any discomfort.
Let's face it, there are a vast majority of computer users out there who do not know what the word "compile" means.
Just about everything comes in binaries too, but unfortunately there are still a few things that don't (mplayer for example). But, with an ideal package manager Joe Schmoe shouldn't even have to worry about whether or not something needs to be compiled anyways. Perhaps while it's compiling it could say "Optimizing the software for your computer" or some similar dumbed-down message.
While I love Linux, I would have to agree that it's not quite there yet for technophobes, but for everyone else it is (as long as the user has a distro that suits their skill level), and it's great!
Although, for technophobes with on-call tech support (ie geek relative), Linux may actually be a better solution.
I realize that. My post was mailny geared towards the parent poster and his situation with his couple of relatives. I wasn't expecting a +4 Insightful out of it, and I certainly don't expect somebody to do it for everyone they know.
I don't understand what you mean.
How are viruses and OSS even remotely related?
I'm not trying to be a dick or anything, I just truly don't understand your comment.
I have suggested they try linux. But they are nearly at the point of no return. They fear computer, they fear the hassle, virus scans, repair etc. What's the world coming to.
If they are not dependant on any Windows-only software (that won't run in Wine) then why not offer to set up Linux for them. Give them Gnome or KDE with icons for everything they need on their desktop and in their "start menu." (And no other icons)
And tell them that you will set it up so the only things they have to look at are the things they need.
Then ssh into their computers anytime an update is necessary.
I would imagine they would be pretty happy with a computer that was less prone to virus attacks.
The day someone can come home and stick in a CD and install a printer driver for their new HP Laserjet
I don't know about HP Laserjets, or their corresponding CDs, but when I used Fedora I plugged in my Lexmark Z25, booted up and it said "New Hardware Found - Lexmark Z25 Printer"
No CD required. So, I guess what's needed then is to require the CD?
Note: not all distributions will automatically detect hardware, but newbies shouldn't be using advanced distributions anyways.
Notice that the moderation points are distributed as 40% offtopic, and 10% troll right now.
Yet again showing the world that those Linux zealots are scared of the truth, trying to hide your words below the threshold of many of the readers here.
Umm... the post is offtopic dude. As for the troll, that may have been a zealot.
it's true you can pick from a billion different WMs, none of them come close to Aqua. I realize that's just my opinion...
Exactly, it's all about preference. Personally if I planned on using KDE or Gnome I would just use Linux rather than OS X. What's the point of having Aqua taking up hard drive space if I'm never going to use it.
Also as other people have said, some people prefer to use free software over proprietary software.
By the way, why are you posting AC? Do you not have an account, or are you just afraid of zealot-mods?
How does the point still stand. Linux is much much much more than skinable.
First of all, there is a large selection of window managers (much more than just KDE or Gnome). Or, if you prefer you can go without a GUI. Now, after you select your window manager, you can do a lot more than just skin it. You can change the feel of it too.
Of course, not everybody wants a customizeable UI, and that's fine. My original point was that some people might want something more customizeable than what OSX offers them, and installing Linux would give that to them.
I don't really know why I'm responding though, anybody who thinks that Linux is merely skinable obviously has never tried it.
Being skinnable is not at all what I was referring to. I was referring to the "Feel" more than the "Look."
However, I can't see myself ever thinking "Boy, I sure wish my computer's UI was way crappier than the one I bought...let's install Linux!"
Yeah most people probably wouldn't ever think that. They may however think something like "Boy, I sure wish my computer's UI was way more customizable than the one I bought...let's install Linux!"
It all boils down to the users preferences.
Of course, applications would probably factor into the decision to install Linux as well.
Good question. It appears to be working too even though the article says that only one game was working.
I don't know if he was saying KDE is better looking than XP, but I am. It all depends on which style you use. Personally I use "Plastik" with "Glow" title bars, and I think it looks much better than Win XP.
As for the feel, sure I have a taskbar, and program windows are square with a scroll wheel on the right and a menu on the top (usually). However I have the focus set to follow the mouse, I have eight desktops, I've defined my own shorcut keys, I keep several programs "Always on Top", etc. etc.
I personally can't stand the Windows interface now that I'm used to KDE. But to each his own.
By the way, I'm using KDE 3.2.1, so it's not futuristic, and you've likely heard of it.
I know. Knowing them there will probably be a MSN search bar in IE. Plus a "Search the Web with MSN" icon on your desktop, in your quick launch, under Start, under Start --> Internet, under Start --> Search, under Start --> Internet --> Search, under Start --> Search --> Internet, under Start --> Accessories, under Start --> Accessories -- Internet, under Start --> Accessories --> Search, in "My Computer", and in the task manager.
I've never thought of it that way before.
Personally the reason I don't have any pirated software is I've found everything I need on packages.gentoo.org, and freshmeat.net. (With the exception of a few games, which I was glad to pay for).
I do understand why people pirate some software, like Photoshop, Autocad, etc... They're industry standard and too damn expensive. And, I can see how this could potentially block out smaller competitors.
However, due to the continuing growth in popluarity of OSS, the software industry is destined to change. Piracy isn't any concern for OSS.
Linux is a "scratch an itch" product, and that's why it will never be truly ready for the desktop, because the people who write for it, as a general rule, despise end users as technically illiterate
Try a modern distro (perhaps found in my sig), and then try your post again.
Unlikely to happen any time soon
It's already happened. Read the other posts in this thread.
The same reason documentation is lagging in FOSS, its not "cool". Everyone wants to be in on the latest desktop environment / compiler / kernel because it gets the publicity. A screen reader will not give you the cool factor that submitting a patch for the kernel would.
If you develop OSS to be "cool" then you must have a very boring life.
And unlike commercial software, there is no profit motive.
That's pretty much true. OSS developers tend to program in order to make useful utilities for themseleves or others. Not just to make a buck. (Although, you can make a buck because OSS is about freedom not free prices).
The site won't let me watch it because it says there is no available plugin for my browser that I can watch it in.
.exe file.
I guess Microsoft has never heard of MPlayer.
So I clicked "download the video" and it gave me the option to download an
Why does MS have to be such a bitch?
I really don't know anything about the technicalites of this, so this suggestion could be worthless but...
Couldn't it be set up so that when you know in advance you're going to be doing business with somebody you could pre-authorize them if you know the pertenant information.
I would imagine companies could then have the IT department authorize any new companies/persons who they would need to be doing business with. Then if somebody who is doing business with your company gets referred to you, there would be no need for another authorization.
Obviously this wouldn't work in all situations (how many things in life do work in "all situations"?) but I would imagine it would help in many situations.
I know if I could do that with my personal email I would.