Actually, those condescending remarks to Yo Grark points is one reason I don't use Linux exclusively. Windows is designed for everyday users. Linux is not and some Linux uber users let you know it.
I've used Red Hat 7.3, Suse 7 & 9, Mandrake 10 and I'm writting this comment on my Damn Small Linux box. I like Linux but getting support can be difficult. I get irritated with arrogant, pontificating ubergeeks RTFM'ing me and such after I've spent hours and even days researching something.
For example, consider the application Bricolage. I inherited the application with my new job as Web Admin for an insurance company. Come to find out, Bric is a content management system that uses Apache, Mason and mod_perl. Cool! I know Perl!
Unfortunately, the only documentation on the website is a giant API list that isn't even searchable. To install, (which does have a step-by-step) you need to compile the latest version of Perl, compile Apache with mod_perl (no small feat in itself), install CPAN bundles and, finally, you have Bric! Good thing it was already installed...
I asked the user list if there was a tutorial for how to start using the program. I actually got a response that went something like this: "Just experiment with it. That's the best way to figure it out."
Obviously, there are many websites using Bric. Why do I have to figure everything out that the other users already have? Why didn't someone write this stuff down? Why can't they share the knowledge and experience?
Also, I haven't found a UI that is as useful as Windows (although Mandrake's UI is my favorite right now). I like context menus and Linux doesn't always have menu options I want. Right now on DSL, I can't right-click my clock and set my clock. If I right click my toolbar at the bottom, I have to select something. The menu won't go away if it loses focus. Creating shortcuts, managing files, clipboard... The clipboard doesn't always work between apps on DSL!
All these things are little, I know. But, as a web developer, I have to deal with clients everyday who want this thing to do this and this other thing to light up or move. Details are important; ease of use is important. There needs to be graphical installers for apps. There needs to be tighter integration between OS and other apps.
BUT, all of the above applys ONLY if the goal is to get Windows users to migrate to Linux. If you'd rather have Linux be a powerful, highly configurable OS where the only limit is your knowledge and imagination (like it is), rock on! But, don't pretend you don't understand why some people don't or can't switch to Linux.
To drive the point home in a humorous way, here's an old favorite!
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Actually, those condescending remarks to Yo Grark points is one reason I don't use Linux exclusively. Windows is designed for everyday users. Linux is not and some Linux uber users let you know it.
I've used Red Hat 7.3, Suse 7 & 9, Mandrake 10 and I'm writting this comment on my Damn Small Linux box. I like Linux but getting support can be difficult. I get irritated with arrogant, pontificating ubergeeks RTFM'ing me and such after I've spent hours and even days researching something.
For example, consider the application Bricolage. I inherited the application with my new job as Web Admin for an insurance company. Come to find out, Bric is a content management system that uses Apache, Mason and mod_perl. Cool! I know Perl!
Unfortunately, the only documentation on the website is a giant API list that isn't even searchable. To install, (which does have a step-by-step) you need to compile the latest version of Perl, compile Apache with mod_perl (no small feat in itself), install CPAN bundles and, finally, you have Bric! Good thing it was already installed...I asked the user list if there was a tutorial for how to start using the program. I actually got a response that went something like this: "Just experiment with it. That's the best way to figure it out."
Obviously, there are many websites using Bric. Why do I have to figure everything out that the other users already have? Why didn't someone write this stuff down? Why can't they share the knowledge and experience?
Also, I haven't found a UI that is as useful as Windows (although Mandrake's UI is my favorite right now). I like context menus and Linux doesn't always have menu options I want. Right now on DSL, I can't right-click my clock and set my clock. If I right click my toolbar at the bottom, I have to select something. The menu won't go away if it loses focus. Creating shortcuts, managing files, clipboard... The clipboard doesn't always work between apps on DSL!
All these things are little, I know. But, as a web developer, I have to deal with clients everyday who want this thing to do this and this other thing to light up or move. Details are important; ease of use is important. There needs to be graphical installers for apps. There needs to be tighter integration between OS and other apps.
BUT, all of the above applys ONLY if the goal is to get Windows users to migrate to Linux. If you'd rather have Linux be a powerful, highly configurable OS where the only limit is your knowledge and imagination (like it is), rock on! But, don't pretend you don't understand why some people don't or can't switch to Linux.
To drive the point home in a humorous way, here's an old favorite!