[NTLUG:Discuss] Is Linux Ready for the desktop now?

[kbrannen@gte.net]

I agree it's a difficult question, but for slightly different reasons.

While the install is not quite as simple as a MS one, it could be.  I
installed SuSE 7.1 not long ago and if my machine has been only for that 1 OS
like MS expects (I dual boot), then the install would have been almost
painless.  A little work on the vendor's part would make it easy.  By
installing the "default" set of packages and in "high security mode", most
users would be setup appropriately.

The difficulty would come after that, during administration.  YAST and
Linuxconf aren't bad, but need some work for the average MS user.  I think
this is the number 2 obstacle to conversion.  BTW, Webmin is a great admin app
too, but even that is beyond average user, IMHO.

The number 1 obstacle is lack of the proper software; but that's where it all
gets interesting. :-)  What is a person going to use the computer for?  I
think for many users, Linux is ready as the desktop!

For someone like my dad who only uses it to play solitaire, surf the 'Net, and
do the occassional Word & PowerPoint stuff, I could switch him over tomorrow. 
OK, he'd be mentally disrupted for a short period of time, but nevertheless,
everything he needs is available NOW...he could adjust (as KDE tries to make
ex-MS people comfortable).

OTOH, my kids could adjust very quickly, but would give me grief because all
their favorite games wouldn't run on Linux.  Also, I can't quite convert my
business to all Linux either.  I'm stuck because of 1 program:  Quickbooks.  I
thought I'd found an alternative (AppGen, IIRC), but when I emailed them for
info, I never got a reply back.  OK, there's a problem with my scanner too,
but I think SANE will eventually be able to work with PP/USB scanners too.

IMO, the bottom line answer for being able to switch to Linux as the desktop
comes down to the same question one should use for deciding what computer to
buy:  What apps are you going to use, or what are you going to do with the
computer?

Kevn


Randall Gibson wrote:
> 
>         That is still a difficult question. I still think that it will be
> very difficult for the "Above average" user to install / setup and use.
> Probably with lots of help from mailing lists, and friends and user groups.
> If the person doesnt use these resources, thier box will be extremely
> insecure because unfortunately, AFAIK distributions still enable to many
> services by default.
>         If pre-installed and setup/secured, I do think that any average
> user could get by with very minimal assistance. Probably about as much as a
> they might need if they were given all new M$ software to use.
>         I know my kids like Linux very much, I show them how to do some
> things, and they are fine. They ask me how to do the same things under
> Windows, and I tell them they cant, or I just dont know how, or we cant
> afford the software to do it.
> 
> Randall Gibson
> 
> On 2001.08.11 23:26 Newsletters wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > Over a year ago, I read many postings on this maillist about how Linux
> > wasn't ready for the desktop.  I am just wondering at this time is Linux
> > now ready for the desktop?  If not, what does it need to be ready for
> > the desktop?  <I hope I don't see a lot of Linux isn't yet emulating
> > windows answers>.  Anyhow, I'm just very curious what the responses
> > would be today...