Linux is not yet a fully ready drop-in replacement for Windows or Mac for most users. But for the things I use a computer for, it has in fact completely replaced Windows. Gaming? Pft. That's what my Playstation is for!
This li'l blog is intended to be just an expression of gratitude to the wonderful "geeks" who have made Linux easy enough for even simple kids like me to use. And to encourage other simple kids like me to try Linux too.
And perhaps along the way, to put some of the "geeky stuff" I've learned from just ordinary use, into words that other non-geeks can understand.
-Robin
This li'l blog is intended to be just an expression of gratitude to the wonderful "geeks" who have made Linux easy enough for even simple kids like me to use. And to encourage other simple kids like me to try Linux too.
And perhaps along the way, to put some of the "geeky stuff" I've learned from just ordinary use, into words that other non-geeks can understand.
-Robin
Shooting Themselves in the Foot?
Posted 09-08-2010 at 06:31 AM by dixiedancer
The latest versions of Ubuntu and Fedora seem to work alot better on newer machines than older ones like mine. In many ways that's good, but I wonder if Canonical and Red hat aren't shooting themselves in the foot somewhat. Here's why:
Ubuntu and Fedora are intended to be "newbie friendly," an ideal choice for those just starting out in Linux. But one of the main reasons people look for an alternative OS is because they can't afford a Mac, and the newer versions of Windows require much more resources - you still have to buy a new computer to use them. So folks look for an alternative...
Only to find that the "most newbie-friendly" versions of Linux require newer hardware almost as much as the newest versions of Windows does!
Sure there are "lightweight" alternatives out there, but most newbies won't look beyond the "best for newbies" choices, so they end up staying where they are.
Perhaps the "big kids on the block" may find themselves falling out of favor with new users unless they stop pursuing the resource-hungry path they're on, and keep folks with aging hardware in mind, especially during these lean economic times when many home users simply cannot afford new hardware.
Your thoughts?
-Robin
Ubuntu and Fedora are intended to be "newbie friendly," an ideal choice for those just starting out in Linux. But one of the main reasons people look for an alternative OS is because they can't afford a Mac, and the newer versions of Windows require much more resources - you still have to buy a new computer to use them. So folks look for an alternative...
Only to find that the "most newbie-friendly" versions of Linux require newer hardware almost as much as the newest versions of Windows does!
Sure there are "lightweight" alternatives out there, but most newbies won't look beyond the "best for newbies" choices, so they end up staying where they are.
Perhaps the "big kids on the block" may find themselves falling out of favor with new users unless they stop pursuing the resource-hungry path they're on, and keep folks with aging hardware in mind, especially during these lean economic times when many home users simply cannot afford new hardware.
Your thoughts?
-Robin
Total Comments 1
Comments
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Yeah, you've made a valid point there. Ubuntu's problem is that they release to schedule whether it's ready or not, besides catering for only up-to-date hardware. Probably the same with Fedora. Can make it doubly difficult for users.Posted 09-08-2010 at 10:23 AM by brianL 
