(Ted Harding) wrote: [snip]
So, in my experience, the "average user" can USE Linux/UNIX quite happily, just as ordinary people drive cars, and know how to put fuel in the tank, but occasionally need to have the wear-and-tear put right, or ask directions in a strange place (instead of knowing how to read a map). But the equivalent of "garage mechanic" and "knowledgeable local inhabitant" do need to be available, otherwise the "average user" can get stuck.
Does this represent a realistic compromise between the extreme views that A) "Linux is not, and never can be, for the masses" B) "Linux will develop so that it can be installed and run with no knowhow" ???
It really depends on development over the next year, IMHO. To put a different "twist" on this, how much different is your scenario than most MAC users today? Most are totally ignorant of how their 'puter works, and occasionally they have problems, and need assistance. At least those who've been using 'DOZ have some level of competence, although, granted....not much. I'm responsible for 2 new Linux users in the past 2 months. Neither one has ever used anything but 'DOZ but are doing very well with Linux. Yes, I ASSISTED them in the install etc., but they did the "work." Will they have problems? Probably, and I'll help them out when they do. But, I proved that even a Compaq can run Linux reliably.<g> Fred -- - Windows 98 supports real multitasking - it can boot and crash simultaneously - Fred A. Miller, Systems Administrator Cornell Univ. Press Services fmiller@lightlink.com fm@cupserv.org - To get out of this list, please send email to majordomo@suse.com with this text in its body: unsubscribe suse-linux-e