Linux does not need a lot of work to be OS for the masses. So far, installation of Linux is easier than Win XP.

I agree that Steinberg, Adobe and others will come quickly if Linux will have... ummm... 10-15% share of the market. That the threshold IMHO.


But to get there. Linux HAS to provide:

1. Easy installation. (I think is done.)


2. Easy installations of drivers. (A lot to be done.)


3. Easy installation of programs.


4. Easy general Internet, emails backups etc (I think is not bad.)


95 % of people use computers for:


1. Internet: emails, browsing.

2. CD burning, music listening, DVD watching, mpegs, wavs,
mp3, pics, etc. PP presentations, fun in emails.

3. Games. Games on line.

4. Office works like MS Office on very basic level.
(They don’t need MS Office and many knows it all ready.)


These 95% will NEVER migrate to OS which needs to type ANY commands.


What is important? Many computer users have realized, that Office org or other programs they could use relatively easy instead of M$.


So what is stopping them getting free Linux?


Lack of simplicity of loading drivers and instalation of programs.

I’m not saying that typing commands should be abolished!

Let’s use them by those who wants more flexibilities and more power.

Win XP still has c:\ Sorry for that blasphemy here!

Give to others nice installers and great Display Properties where everything can be done by the touch of the button.

That all is needed to reach the threshold, where other big s/ware vendors will have to jump on Linux wagon.

Cheers…

Also it needs easy uninstallation of programs compiled from source (tar.gz things). I hate having to go to /usr/bin /usr/local/bin looking for files to be deleted to uninstall things that I compiled myself. Maybe they can provide some uninstallation script.

Who is they?

Stop whining, and write one...
Or, use checkinstall...

Cheers,
Tink

Drivers have to be written by hardware vendors. The same case as software. HW vendors will only do it if linux reaches audience.

*********

So what is stopping them getting free Linux?

My experience has been that general computer users don't even know of it. Those who know say: "Hmmm... linux... I heard of it. It's a program, right?"

The convincing effort has to address the technical user. The one who mantains his friends and relatives with software and is searched by people as a solution to their problems. This user can make a difference.
I, myself, have installed win98 and 2k in at least six or seven computers. If I had linux experience at that time, I could have proposed.

“So what is stopping them getting free Linux?

My experience has been that general computer users don't even know of it. Those who know say: "Hmmm... linux... I heard of it. It's a program, right?"”



EASY!!!

Make for guys like me (I’m a computer technician and retailer) easy job!

We will convince people to get Linux and advertisement is not needed.

But… in order to convince us, we have to have right price. That is great start.

Done.

Than… the last thing I want is… to be annoyed 24 hours with silly questions like:

How can I put NVIDIA drivers? How can I put any drivers? How can I install? How can I uninstall?

At this stage I would not put Linux for a customer even if you would pay me!

Because I would not have a life!

Rules are simple. Because Linux is basically free, it can’t be really advertised. So how Linux can get to masses? Through guys like me. Retailers.

Give me a good, free of hassles OS and I will gladly flog it to the public. You guys make it working. We will give it to masses.

THAT’S THE KEY!

I don’t want to be annoyed by any phone call with thousands of silly questions.

So far Win XP gives me a lot of relieve if I compare it to Win 98 or ME.

Make Linux as easy as XP! Hassles free for me and users.


Peace….

Essentially you know. They are the authors of many a very nice and useful program.

But: If they are kind enough to share their work with others (us) it would be appreciated if they a) warned joe noob that there will be files strewn all over the place or b) better even if they would consider using automake, autoconf and the like -- while improving the quality of their own work for their own satisfaction (hopefully) and generating an automatic make uninstall all along.

This is not a request or something even remotely in this capacity, these authors owe us nothing. It's just a statement.

I use checkinstall .

One more thing.

Yesterday I have delivered a machine to one business. That business had 7 computers on LAN. Win XP Pro installed. Since I’ve connected it to LAN, XP was without any commands or even wizard on the ADSL and the machine was seen and saw all other computers.

The owner was happy like a monkey with banana. I was happy also, because he wanted Win 98 and I was able to convince him to Win XP. It was perfect for that guy so I will get some more business from him.

He was prepared to get a guy, who always were taking care of his network and he didn’t have to.

I like it like that!

smcop,

Think of linux as an oportunity for business: how much would you cheapen the job you did to this guy by installing linux? This is the amount of money you could charge for yourself. Or give a price cut, and make a client happier and loyal.

Perhaps you will not be bothered by complaints of misfunctioning. But your clients will bother you when they try to install other hardware and xp hangs, waiting for some unblocking code from microploft.

I don't know which problems you
had, but all my hardware on all
my computers (plus the kids ones)
was picked up without kernel re-
compiles or driver installations,
and that includes exotic devices
like TokenRing ISA cards and
ancient HP SCSI scanners.

Fun in e-mails, huh? Like allowing ugly
icons, html mails (so you can be immediately
redirected to pr0n-sites) and the like?
Mails of 40k size with little graphics and
a mauve background and 50 bytes of
information? :/

Good on them. Less stupid questions to
answer :}
It's not like Linux is in need of a market share,
linux simply *IS* ... if you like it, you use it,
if you don't, modify it or don't use it. It's
that simple.

Quite frankly I prefer Linux packaging systems
over your WinDOHs installers. The only difference
between them and us is that we don't say we remove
stuff but actually leave it to you (of course you wouldn't
know, or care, or bother) to clean up the directory
structure or have a go at the registry to get it clean
again ...

/me stands in awe ... "Really? c:\?"
/me is thoroughly impressed and will consider buying XP now

/me claps his hands for smcoptyltd
Imagine that ... I can change a machine
without even having to touch it :P And
I can do that over a 9.6 connection if
need be. That's user-friendly. No jogging
for the person who has to look after the
machines.

Cheers, mate,
Tink

P.S.: All in all your posts are rather incoherent,
and I won't bother replying to all of them :)

******************
Good on them. Less stupid questions to
answer :}
It's not like Linux is in need of a market share,
linux simply *IS* ... if you like it, you use it,
if you don't, modify it or don't use it. It's
that simple.
********************

So, you see, smcop, this is the kind of attitude we don't need.

It's not like people need more linux. It's more like linux need more people. And it will not get it, with gurus like this.

Tinkster,

Do you do anything majorly intensive on your computer system?
Not referring to programming, word processing, or tinkering.

I am referring to, High End 3d Graphics Rendering, Design,
Gaming (not tetris) Multitasking about 10 Graphics/rendering
programs on 1 machine?

If you don't, then you won't understand the need for the latest drivers
and will be content with 256 or 16bit color on your 32MB video card.

When ur ready to play with the big boyZ and use your computer
as a full blown entertainment center or for intense graphics rendering,
then come talk to us about using old drivers and not having to recompile.

Look love, if I wanted to play I'd buy me
a playstation... or use Windows. So feel
free to continue using it. If you want Linux to
be able to do it, program it. Or pay someone
to do it for you if you can't. It's dead simple.
Ranting and raving how Linux isn't Windows
or can't run your favourite programs is absolutely
besides the point.

And I am currently using 24-bit colour on my
desktop in a 1024x768 resolution on a notebook
with a PIV 1.8 ... and I'm watching DVD's, listening
to MP3's on it and all ... I've fixed Linux systems
for mates that probably put your game-cube to shame
... so please don't patronize me


Cheers,
Tink

Linux needs a CPU, and maybe someone
to continue working on it. People who have
no clue what they are talking about but rant
and rave with claims and demands ... as I
said, they can go where "They want to
go today!"

Linux needs people that help it develop,
not a bunch of people on its back telling
it to go a different way.

And as for an attitude that's not called for,
that's a matter of perspective. I found yours
out of place ;)

Cheers,
Tink

omg, now I know who I am dealing with

Um, when I mentioned games, it wasn't for playing, the new games
test the limits of your system much like high end graphics rendering programs
do such as AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, Maya and many more.

Basically, you use Linux as a glorified word processor :P

I use Windows as a commercial tool.
I also use Linux as a commercial tool.

When you knock either OS, you are doing nothing more than
talking out of your a$$ because you don't know the extensive capabilities
of either. In this world and day/age, you need both.

The point is, both OS's could learn from each other.
(figuratively speaking)
When I say this I am speaking mostly towards the GUI
aspect.

I prefer the stability and security of Linux, but also enjoy
the immense software applications made for XP Pro.

Another point.

Why the subject "Make Linux easier for the general population! Please."
has 660 posts here?

Tink... Ever thought about that!? :P

"Linux needs a CPU, and maybe someone
to continue working on it. People who have
no clue what they are talking about but rant..."

Now u have made a discovery that Linux needs a CPU! Congratulation!
I would never though of that!

"Think of linux as an oportunity for business: how much would you cheapen the job you did to this guy by installing linux? This is the amount of money you could charge for yourself. Or give a price cut, and make a client happier and loyal."

I do! That's why I'm here. Just d/loaded Mandrake9.2 and ready to install.
I have to check if I'm able to sell Linux machine but I have found all ready old subject which I didn't like it. Lack of fonts like Times New Roman, Tahoma and Arial.

But I will give it to try again.

I'm dealing with many people pissed with spyware, viruses and email' problems so maybe I can convince them to go Linux.





"And I am currently using 24-bit colour on my
desktop in a 1024x768 resolution on a notebook
with a PIV 1.8 ... and I'm watching DVD's, listening
to MP3's on it and all ... I've fixed Linux systems
for mates..."

Hahahahahaha...


So u r watching porn on Linux. That's all!

FYI, if I watch anything on my machine with Win XP, is 32 bit and looks pretty.