Key steps to increase Linux desktop adoption
Posted 04-20-2009 at 08:23 AM by Indymaynard
If you use Linux and you're reading this, you probably love Linux. It's a fantastic replacement for the operating systems that we are usually forced to use. Linux is stable, safe, and easy to use.
In the last couple of years, hardware support has, almost literally, exploded for Linux. There are only a few items that don't "just work" out of the package. And this brings up the first problem. Those few pieces of hardware that don't work are always the ones you have laying around the house and you want to work. Specifically, webcams are an issue for me.
I have 3 webcams that don't "just work" when I plug it in. Obviously, I blame the manufacturers for either not releasing a Linux binary, or (as a better alternative) release the source of their driver.
To cut this short, I believe that manufacturers of peripherals should support Linux better. We've been relying on the wonderful skills of the community to provide us with everything we need. They do fantastic, but there's still a long way to go.
Next, companies need to learn to troubleshoot from a Linux interface. They already read from a script to troubleshoot over the phone, just add another script to step through over the phone. I can troubleshoot my problems, but what about the new users? Forums are not for everyone. And what if you have Linux installed on the only computer in the house? No forums there.
Lastly, and this is huge, Linux needs better native game support. Too few companies are focusing on Linux users as game players. The sad part is that there are plenty of people who would switch exclusively to Linux if only the game companies would support the Linux platform.
As a footnote, I must express my sincerest thanks to any developers that have focused on these issues to increase the enjoyability of the use of GNU/Linux. It has long been my intention to learn to program and give back to the community I have received so much from. If I can but focus on the task at hand...
In the last couple of years, hardware support has, almost literally, exploded for Linux. There are only a few items that don't "just work" out of the package. And this brings up the first problem. Those few pieces of hardware that don't work are always the ones you have laying around the house and you want to work. Specifically, webcams are an issue for me.
I have 3 webcams that don't "just work" when I plug it in. Obviously, I blame the manufacturers for either not releasing a Linux binary, or (as a better alternative) release the source of their driver.
To cut this short, I believe that manufacturers of peripherals should support Linux better. We've been relying on the wonderful skills of the community to provide us with everything we need. They do fantastic, but there's still a long way to go.
Next, companies need to learn to troubleshoot from a Linux interface. They already read from a script to troubleshoot over the phone, just add another script to step through over the phone. I can troubleshoot my problems, but what about the new users? Forums are not for everyone. And what if you have Linux installed on the only computer in the house? No forums there.
Lastly, and this is huge, Linux needs better native game support. Too few companies are focusing on Linux users as game players. The sad part is that there are plenty of people who would switch exclusively to Linux if only the game companies would support the Linux platform.
As a footnote, I must express my sincerest thanks to any developers that have focused on these issues to increase the enjoyability of the use of GNU/Linux. It has long been my intention to learn to program and give back to the community I have received so much from. If I can but focus on the task at hand...
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