My dad loves his mac because it "just works" as they say. He makes a good case though. I have spent much time googling, trying different distros, fixing many different issues over the last year or so I've been really trying to learn linux. Minor issues all over the place, showstopping ones in many places.

I'm not entirely sure how to argue that over what he's got. How does one argue merits of linux when you are faced with those polar opposites?

Macs work because you're buying mac hardware. You can buy linux hardware and most times it will just work there too. Most of the learning curve for linux is learning that something exists and what it is called. And sometimes keeping up with what it's currently called when it forks. As in star office, open office, libre office, .....

Most of my tweaks for linux these days is performance orientated and optional. And most of that is choosing obscure software options, like cwm for the window manager and dwb for the browser.

It's spelt indu$try but changing because not everyone is a sucker or my first #1s . . .

I just installed it and, sadly, it does not compare in the slightest. I applaud the effort that has gone into it and I thank you for reminding me of it so that I can leave it installed and keep up with its development. However, the difference between them is like black and white television (Marble) and HDTV (Google Earth).
Thankfully with an edit to the .deb file I can install Google Earth and I just discovered that whilst Panaramio images are still broken the Wikimedia ones work.
I feel the same but I do wonder whether many people really care about the privacy issues (look at how many people work for Facebook, for example*) and I think some people like that junk for some reason. I have come across plenty of people with so many toolbars in IE that the actual web page is tiny but they insist they like them all, for example.

Who knows why people don't try or switch to linux as each will have their own reasons. I know the day I switched to linux it was the best decision I made. Of course, it didn't happen overnight. it took some time before I was completely comfortable using linux exclusively. When that happened, I deleted windows completely and haven't look back.

Arguing that depends entirely on the user, it seems to me. Some users are content to never know "whats under the hood" while others would like to know "some". The degree to which "some" is tends to evolve similar to how a driver may like to know how to change a flat tire and once that's accomplished enjoy learning how to gap and change spark plugs, etc. There is one big difference between cars and computers though, and that is all tires change essentially the same and so do spark plugs.

However there is a trend in many modern cars like there is in some operating systems (and especially OEMs) to actively thwart any user changes usually in order to make the "owner" (and lately I can use that term very loosely) dependent on service techs, usually paid service techs. So if a person doesn't want to be herded into a dependent cash cow position the choice is pretty clear - get a car or an operating system that gives you free reign. If you're happy being shoved off into the dark and paying others to fix your stuff (or simply make it more to your liking) then that is a fair choice, but it is a choice as long as people are aware there even are choices.

I believe you are absolutely correct. I'd think that the vast majority of people just don't care, as evidenced by the use of such things as Facebook- or, in real-life, filling out credit applications everywhere they go; giving anyone whatever info they ask for; etc.

But that is the very reason that people like us are glad to have alternatives. I mean, if all Linux distros were like the current Ubuntu, I'd feel little need to switch from Windows. Some people seem to think that the way to get more Windows users to switch to Linux is for Linux to become more like Windows. I'd say that it's pointless to want to attract such people in the first place, and that instead, the emphasis should be on having alternatives for those who want to get away from Windows. [and I'm pretty sure you'd agree with that]

I completely agree. Actually, the classic "Linux != Widows" article (link in my sig) makes that point almost exactly.

I believe that Microsoft also has a reason why people cannot try linux. MS in conjunction with manufacturers have implemented the secure boot feature and depending on the system and manufacturer, the partitions may all be used up. For example, the main OS, the recovery partition and the system utilities partitions and etc.

Of course, a windows power user will know the ways around them or use virtual machines, but the less techie person wouldn't have a clue.

Anyway, this is just my opinion....

2 members found this post helpful.