[NTLUG:Discuss] Open Source

[Patrick R. Michaud]

On Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 09:07:01AM -0600, Greg Edwards wrote:
> Chris,
> 
> Unfortunately you've just made the case for NOT using Linux.  There are
> about 3 million people in the US that use technology professionally.  Of
> that number probably only a quarter of them are knowledgeable enough to
> install Linux on a new computer.  Of that number you might be lucky to
> find 25% who can do what you do.
> 
> With MS 75% of the users can stick the disk in and get it installed.

To some extent I think I disagree with this.  At least in my experience,
installing Ubuntu is generally "stick the disk in and get it installed".

I also disagree that 75% of users can insert an MS Windows OS disk
and "get it installed".  When Windows installer claims that it's
finished, in reality the hard work is just beginning.  Next comes
the hassles of Windows activation, installing and activating anti-virus
and firewall software, loading the various applications, and if you're
running Windows Vista, hoping that you can locate the correct drivers 
for whatever hardware you happen to have.

> Linux distributions have come a long way in the past 4-5 years.  I use
> Mandriva, and for a workstation install on a clean system it has almost
> reached an MS install simplicity level.  But, as on any Linux box, if
> you need to replace your video card, you better know what you're doing.

FWIW, I find this to be true for adding/replacing hardware in the MS
realm as well.  When my parents were running MS Windows, I would get
calls every 3-4 weeks because the latest XYZ gizmo they purchased
(or brought over by a friend) caused their system to stop working
properly.  Or they inadvertently followed a link they shouldn't have.
Since switching them independently to Linux -- one on SUSE, the other
on Ubuntu -- I never get calls that the system isn't working.  Plugging
in printers, digital cameras, memory cards, etc. "just works" for them.

Pm