Re: Re: Live CD as a focal point for reviving Jr development

On Mon, 2005-10-03 at 13:44 -0700, Bill Kendrick wrote:
> <snip> 
> > The only reason why Gnome now seems more viable than it used to is
> > because of all the support in the desktop environment for out-of-the-box
> > USB devices.
> 
> I think KDE does, too, or is close.  I guess it depends on what exactly
> Gnome is _doing_ with the devices.

It's magic trickery to be sure... I never could figure it all out. All I
know is it worked extremely well with just about any USB device I
plugged in.

> > Things like that just working in the classroom is a very
> > nice thing. Also, Gnome is more obfuscated so it can be harder to tweak
> > and customize than KDE, and it has a more limited interface (both of
> > which are ideal for the classroom).
> 
> I guess that's why I don't like Gnome.  They got rid of the "Apply" button
> in config screens!  YIKES! <:^(

Again... a more limited interface is much better for children and
especially in classroom or educational environments. Personally... I
wouldn't use Gnome myself... but I can't deny I've seen it is very
successful with people who get confused with everything available to
them in other WM/DEs.

> > Remember, we're not talking about environments we like to use (if we
> > were, I'd be advocating using Fluxbox or Ratpoison in the classroom :-)
> > We're talking about what provides a simple-enough interface as to not
> > cause confusion, and yet gives them the most functionality for their
> > buck.
> 
> Of course.  Depending on the age group, something like Apple's old
> "Launcher" would be appropriate.  Older kids would probably enjoy something
> tweakable like KDE (or Gnome), too.

There was also some talk LOONG ago (in a now vanished t4k list) of a
really simple app launcher for children. Something that would be ideal
for K-5 children.

Heh... if memory serves me correctly, Bill I think you were the one who
wanted to make it :-)

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.O.                                         Sam Hart, [email protected]
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