Comment I understand what your saying but.... (Score 2) 397
Let's be honest with each other, Linux documentation ranges from quite good to darned near useless. It is also often written by people who assume that the readers have some background knowledge that not everyone has. This will become more true as Linux popularity increases. I am a reasonably intellegent person but I don't have a specific computer background. It took me a while to get accustomed to the man page format (which is quite good once you get used to it). I have also hit Linux chat rooms on more than one occasion because I was stuck and the HOWTO's weren't helping. For the uninitiated, Linux takes some effort to get the hang of. I now spend more and more time is those chat rooms helping new users and sometimes admonishing others to go easy on the new guys.
On the other hand, another popular OS can be installed by just about anyone capable of finding the on switch on their computers. If any Linux distribution is serious about competing as a mainstream OS, the interface must be simple enough for the average computer user. Linux users, for now, tend to be above average in computer knowledge.
As a personal example, I have been using FVWM2 on my Linux installation and my wife is constantly pointing out areas where my interface configuration is not clear. I kinda see it as a way to improve my programming skills.
Bottom line is, if you want Linux to be mainstream, then there has to be at least one distribution that is intuitive to the average computer user....and that will not be an easy task.
On the other hand, another popular OS can be installed by just about anyone capable of finding the on switch on their computers. If any Linux distribution is serious about competing as a mainstream OS, the interface must be simple enough for the average computer user. Linux users, for now, tend to be above average in computer knowledge.
As a personal example, I have been using FVWM2 on my Linux installation and my wife is constantly pointing out areas where my interface configuration is not clear. I kinda see it as a way to improve my programming skills.
Bottom line is, if you want Linux to be mainstream, then there has to be at least one distribution that is intuitive to the average computer user....and that will not be an easy task.
