[mdlug] An Idea inspired by....

[Garry Stahl]

Michael Rudas (computer) wrote:
>  Yes, RMS is over-the-top, but often an extreme
> opinion has merit-- even if only to define the edges
> of the discussion.
>
>   

I am a lot close to Joe User than the average member of the LUG, so I
feel qualified to speak for him.  Yes, I am much geeker than Joe User,
but I do not code, period, and that is an issue here.  I am a well
qualified end user.  I have used Linux on the desktop for three years
now.  I can count on one hand the number of times I have used Windows
since the switch. 

I have no objection to closed source software as long as the user is not
harmed by the closed sourceness of it.  DRM and user lock in are evil,
no questions.  However if the software maker chooses to not release his
source code, I am not harmed and I am good with that. 

I also do not demand that all software be free.  If you don't wish to
make money on your software, your choice.  However for someone like me,
source code is slightly less useful than a buggy whip.  So getting the
source code is a non issue.

What do I want?  The "It don't need support model".  And I'll gladly pay
for that model.  Give a clear and easy to understand UI, make using the
software apparent, make maintaining the software, upgrades and
instillation fall off a log easy.  I don't want to work on the computer,
I want to work with the computer.

So far, Windows makes the UI good, they make installation and upgrades
easy, except when it doesn't work and then you are in Hell.  Windows
fails in not being harmful to the user.  It fails that bad enough that I
will no longer use it and would rather do without the "nice", the games,
and certain tools than deal with the harm.

Linux is not harmful, but for the most part it fails in the ease of use
factor.  If you know what you are doing, it is easy to fix Linux when it
goes south.  However, to Joe User it is as obtuse, if not more obtuse,
than Windows in that regard.

One other thing that I get more from Linux than Windows is the ability
to do things as I want to do them.  My Computer, not "Their" Computer.

Yea, I'll crack the camera to do a spot.



-- 
Garry  AKA  --Phoenix--  Rising above the Flames.

Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes
Star Trek mort. Viva la Star Trek admiraetur
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