Re: MS clobbering Vs Linux promotion

Agreed totally. In this sense FSF are just preaching to the converted.

Many people who just 'use' computers, that is to say people who
consider a computer to be an appliance like a TV or a toaster dont know
( or want to know ) anything about who makes the software. They just
want a tool that works, and is easy to use.

They go out and buy it and it has windows on it, so thats what they
use.

I have installed linux for a few computer users who know absolutely
nothing about the tech side of things, but even basic use requires a
lot of initial explanation and unfortunately a rather long list of
things they CANT do with linux.

Examples:

You cant just print your photos and expect nice results. ( all sorts of
paper and setup requirements, special drivers etc are often needed )

You cant just install that accounting software you always use. ( and
linux doesn't have human usable accounting software yet )

You cant just make a DVD from your home videos ( Linux DVD authoring
requires a thorough understanding file formats, muxing and other
garbage that joe user couldn't care less about )

You cant just webcam with your buddies/rellies etc with MSN or Skype
etc ( webcam chat on linux is very hit and miss and requires many geek
hours )

Ok its getting there, its way more usable for non-geeks than it used to
be. But its still got to get some of the basics that windoze users have
enjoyed for years working first.

They NEED to be able to point and click and print a photo nicely

They NEED to be able to point and click and do things without knowing
or caring HOW it works...

It needs to JUST WORK.

IMO if linux wants to effect sales of MS products they need to polish
the product and get it preloaded on new pcs in the shops.

Slagging the opposition wont help spread usage a product that is
relatively unheard of and only works properly if you're know a geek or
two... :)

chris

Haydn wrote:

I would
certainly have to agree, promoting themselves is always going to be a
better option than trying to bag MS. The worst thing to me is that that
website is a very poor example of just about anything, I'm tempted to
say i could make something better, but I digress. Surely FSF must
realize that if you want to be viewed as the 'good guys' bagging the
opponents is just not good politics. The real reason people use windows
is because it's familiar and because they know no better. Promotion and
a positive (reinforcement) approach would surely do them better than
their constant smear and name and shame campaigns (see defectivebydesign.org). Linux is
currently the realm of the tech-savvy and freedom extremists, for
everyone else it's just like Dvorak, too much effort. Unless we can
raise awareness and show usability we're never going to beat them.

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