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The time that people put into learning Linux is probably less than the time they put into troubleshooting slowdowns and bad processes in Windows, not to mention the spy junk that it comes with. On top of that, I don't see what people like in Windows. I switched to Linux in February of 2005 and have not looked back. I hated the way if one program in Windows crashes, then the whole system is gone. Windows programs run better in Linux since they each have their own process.
In edition, you only need to learn a few commands to actually be able to use Linux as you would Windows. The best place to start is Mandriva.
rpm -xyxyx ****.rpm
./configure
make
make install
mount
umount
Thought I'd jump in you be kind of the "man in the middle". I'm currently taking Linux classes in College, and I can tell you for sure that it is not an easy transion. Moving from Windows to Linux or even GNU (to appease the gurus) requires chaning the way you think. Windows makes everything simple to the point of stupid, we dont want that.
I think for right now as auto-mount, GUI installers and easy to use GUIs exsist we really should focus on apps. and migrating current apps to Linux/Unix platforms.
Incase non have seen the new thing Microsoft is doing is saying we have access to more application software then anyone else. We need to take that from them. If we can get even 15-25% of the market to make linux port it wil make people think about linux. Because if businesses are willing to invest time and money into linux its worth a second look form the consumer.
hey spark, i moved from windows xp all tweaked out to linux and was able to do everything i did with windows on linux in 2 days, on top of that, i learned basic commands, i made a custom kernel and made my gui look cool, in 2 days, in windows i was struggling to get the pc back and running on the second day when you know in windows after a few hours of no use the system just slows down...linux is the better os and it is much easier to use than what people think
The article was interesting, there are a couple of fallacies in it, however. The first is that the cost of learning to use linux and linux apps is expensive. There is an abundance of documentation on almost any linux distro or linux app. Also, there is an extensive community infrastructure in place to cut down on the learning curve. From my experience it's takes less time to learn how to use the operating system plus the user has a much better understanding of how their system actually functions. Currently we're in the process of deploying linux based thin clients in our retail stores. It's working out great. We're moving from hardwired dumb terminals and the users really appreciate the additional functionality that we've provided them. We're in the process of replacing people's desktops with the same thin client technology only that's more of a windows based technology which will be switch over to a linux based platform in the future. That's more of a function of IT staff time than any user resistance. Though some of the more cautious members of the user community here are dreading the change over. Though they'll come around after all if a guy that's been selling tools for 20 years can work through it in a week then so can any of the users.
This is a field in which Microsoft takes the lead in creating software, making things unstable and with low performance for the end user. Linux has a way of getting things done in one straight shot, increasing it's stability and performance. Not only that but the learning curve for complicated software is always higher than simpler more straight to the point programs, in my mind this article is making a mistake by saying that Windows users will find the learning curve to Linux to be a challenge. It is a complexity issue, not a learning curve issue.
Well, talking about Linux on the desktop, I found this: [url=http://os.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/05/18/2033216&from=rss]Windows rapidly approaching desktop usability[url].
It is an article about users who have been using Linux and want to try out WinXP. It is really funny to read because I have only heard of the opposite before (going from Windows to Linux). I actually agree on some points and there are some interesting discussion in the comments below.
The best thing is that this article says "Stay with good old Linux, it is much easier then switching to XP", and I like that. :P
Using linux with a graphical interface, like KDE, isn't at all hard. After installing mandrake I had no problems using the interface and generally everything was where I expected it to be, with some small exceptions. The format is little different to windows or mac os, you have a bunch of folders and icons, windows that open and a bar at the bottom of the screen. Anyone who has used a relatively modern computer can operate these systems, in fact the transition from windows 3.1 to windows 95 was bigger than changing from windows XP to linux.
The only problems I've had as a linux user are configuring things, such as installing new software and kernel stuff, but you don't have to know this to use linux successfully at work, college or in a library. Many people who don't know the first thing about what is going on inside a windows computer or even how to install software on one use them at work, just as long as the tech people can maintain them the users can keep doing the everyday things they need to. The whole point of a desktop computer was bringing easy convenient computing to people who aren't computer experts, and linux is suitable for this in many places. It's only down side is that it is currently harder for home users who don't have technical support.
I think that we have not seen this occur yet, but the real value for any person or company adopting any flavor of the Linux OS will be two things:
1. Device interoperability - More and more devices are coming with embedded linux, as servers run Linux, and Desktops run Linux we will see Linux become an OS standard and interoperability take front stage.
2. Customization - Linux is the most flexible operating system available. Its inherent value comes with being able to make the OS extremely customized for specific tasks. This is only more expensive now, but as more people learn Linux and tools are built to easily customize the OS such as Ubuntu's Launch Pad, the "costs" of Linux will disappear.
Originally posted by dkdundas I think that we have not seen this occur yet, but the real value for any person or company adopting any flavor of the Linux OS will be two things:
1. Device interoperability - More and more devices are coming with embedded linux, as servers run Linux, and Desktops run Linux we will see Linux become an OS standard and interoperability take front stage.
2. Customization - Linux is the most flexible operating system available. Its inherent value comes with being able to make the OS extremely customized for specific tasks. This is only more expensive now, but as more people learn Linux and tools are built to easily customize the OS such as Ubuntu's Launch Pad, the "costs" of Linux will disappear.
Third post and third time you've advertised your site. Did you happen to read the rules you agreed to when registering? Advertising is not allowed. Continue to do so and you will lose privileges to this site. Interested in making deals or advertising here, click the advertising link at the bottom of every single page..
Distribution: None right now. Will be using Mandrake 10.1 Official.
Posts: 171
Rep:
I wanted this to be a topi of its own but I can't fnd the post new thread button. The firewall at my job seems to be blocking it.
Anyays here goes.
I work in a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As you can imagine, these casinos have many computers that the casinos rely on. And guess what, all of these computers are Windows XP boxs!
I mean, many many many computers with windows xp intalled on them.
Now, weall know that casinos are "bottom line" business meaining they need to make as much profit as they can. Now this got me to thinking. With Microsoft, you have to pay a license fee for every XP os installed on every computer no matter what. Well, assuming that the casinos get deals on bulk licenses, that price still wouldn't beat free.
Linux is free. They could re-do all of their computers and only have to pay for a team of admins. I could gaurantee that the cost of paying the admins company wide would be cheaper than the cost of total OS licenses fees they have to pay company-wide.
What do you all think? I am thinking of running this by the Vice President of Harrah's Gaming (the biggest casino company in the world).
Distribution: None right now. Will be using Mandrake 10.1 Official.
Posts: 171
Rep:
I fogot to mention that they alredy pay a team of XP admins to troubleshoot the PC's when tey go down (which is very often BTW. The entire customer rating system at the Trump Taj Mahal is shut down at least once per week due to software malfunctions. This also happens at Caesar's casino at least once every 2 weeks.)
So, I do believe that this could be a money saving venture for the Casinos.
BTW, sorry for my spelling. I am at work on one of those "Virtually Indestructible Keyboards" which is a pain to type on. And I am also behind a company firewall (WEBSENSE ENTERPRISE) that is blocking the "edit" and "new thread" functions.
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