On Fri, Mar 02, 2001 at 12:12:37AM -0600, Michael Schwager wrote:
0. She is able to install Samba quickly and easily. In the event the install fails, the on-screen dialogs will pinpoint the cause
...
I have to disagree a little with this statement. Perhaps I missed something, but I never saw any config files or error messages posted to the list.
Well, I was going to address that response in my original posting but decided against it because it was long enough already (and maybe people wouldn't latch onto it... because the point is that we need a fundamental paradigm shift, where we as the providers of technology make it easy for the users of technology to use the technology). Anyway, The Samba suite does a poor job of letting the user know what is going on. Expecting a user to provide config files rather than pithy error statements from the program is lousy error reporting. I know exactly how Julia feels- I had the same experience trying to set up Samba. Now what? I asked myself. Where the hell am I supposed to look for answers? Well, I've got 17 years' troubleshooting experience- I know how to troubleshoot, and I did. It wasn't so hard for me because I'm a grizzled old warrior. But I know that lots of people are going to have a hell of a time. Again, we have failed the user.
2. If the User has a problem with the computer, it is rarely the user's fault. Fundamentally, the responsibilty of usability lies squarely on our- the technologist's (e.g., programmer's)- shoulders.
I work as a PC tech in an academic library. I see computer problems that are caused by a direct action of a user every day.
Again, we have failed the user. It's too easy for computer problems to occur that "are caused by a direct action of a user". We need a paradigm shift. What is wrong with our computers that are making them so difficult to get right? Or so easy to screw up? We are not listening. We are blaming the user. -- -Mike suse-list@Linux.Schwager.com -o) Go to www.forsitesolutions.com to read Linux /\\ "Guides for Reasonably Intelligent People" _\_v The list will grow as I do.