Re: [S.u.S.E. Linux] thinking about suse
On Sun, Jun 28, 1998 at 01:30:57AM -0400, Fred A. Miller wrote:
... As for _general_ consumption, though, I don't think Linux (SuSE's or anyone else's) has a prayer vs MS.
That all depends on how simple SuSE and others make the install, administration etc. of ALL Linux, as well as ALL software providers! As long as it just about takes an "act of Congress" to install a system, sound drivers, fonts, printers, etc., etc., then you are correct. IF the folks at SuSE and elsewhere get their act together, then Linux will be Bill Gates WORST nightmare!!
Fred
I _promise_ that this will be my last note on this subject (uncrosses fingers). In theory, you're absolutely right. But your conclusion applies not only to installs but to the maintenance of the OS and apps as well. After all, most "mortal" users buy a box with Win95/98 preinstalled and preconfigured. They never touch the OS again. Their efforts to add a new printer or a new modem, etc. often end in utter disaster (been there, done that I'm ashamed to admit). If they're lucky, they have a techie friend (someone who has already been through an install) who can bail them out, or they turn to Usenet or (more likely) AOL. OK, you reply, Linux is the same situation. Well, not exactly. The user base isn't comparable, so I'm not likely to be able to turn to the techie next door. Leaves me with Usenet or this group--smart and helpful people, yes, but not many of you. Installs of new apps (YaST aside) aren't of the "click install" flavor; never mind compiling and installing. So, I suggest that Bill G's success is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Linux will never, ever reach the point of offering the point-and-click convenience that ordinary users (pop, mom, _and_ the folks at the office) need and demand. If Linux ever does achieve such a thing, I wonder how the current hard core Linux folks will feel about that? Howard Arons -- Powered by SuSE Linux 5.2 -- kernel 2.0.33 Communications by Mutt 0.89 - To get out of this list, please send email to majordomo@suse.com with this text in its body: unsubscribe suse-linux-e
OH ye of little faith. Have you looked at caldera? Howard Arons wrote:
So, I suggest that Bill G's success is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Linux will never, ever reach the point of offering the point-and-click convenience that ordinary users (pop, mom, _and_ the folks at the office) need and demand. If Linux ever does achieve such a thing, I wonder how the current hard core Linux folks will feel about that?
Howard Arons -- Powered by SuSE Linux 5.2 -- kernel 2.0.33 Communications by Mutt 0.89 - To get out of this list, please send email to majordomo@suse.com with this text in its body: unsubscribe suse-linux-e
-- - - -- IMHO BEST Beginners book so far. Sams' Teach Yourself Linux in 24 hours. redhat press. - Celis Gran Cru and Linux; Nowhere but South Austin Texas. - - - TEX <A HREF="http://www.ccms.net/~mhtexcollins/78704.htm"><A HREF="http://www.ccms.net/~mhtexcollins/78704.htm</A">http://www.ccms.net/~mhtexcollins/78704.htm __ / / __ _ _ _ _ __ __ / /__ / / / \// //_// \ \/ / /____/ /_/ /_/\/ /___/ /_/\_\ ...for IQs GREATER than 95/98?... --- - To get out of this list, please send email to majordomo@suse.com with this text in its body: unsubscribe suse-linux-e
Yes! I also own Caldera Openlinux Standard 1.1, but I gave up on it when I found out just how good SuSE 5.2 is. I wish I had found SuSE first, as I would have saved a load of money, and had Linux up and running a lot faster and easier to boot! Caldera is a waste of money!!! TEX wrote:
OH ye of little faith. Have you looked at caldera?
Howard Arons wrote:
So, I suggest that Bill G's success is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Linux will never, ever reach the point of offering the point-and-click convenience that ordinary users (pop, mom, _and_ the folks at the office) need and demand. If Linux ever does achieve such a thing, I wonder how the current hard core Linux folks will feel about that?
Howard Arons -- Powered by SuSE Linux 5.2 -- kernel 2.0.33 Communications by Mutt 0.89
-----------------------------------------------
Man's mind is his basic tool of survival!
Lawrence Sayre
Howard Arons wrote:
On Sun, Jun 28, 1998 at 01:30:57AM -0400, Fred A. Miller wrote:
... As for _general_ consumption, though, I don't think Linux (SuSE's or anyone else's) has a prayer vs MS.
That all depends on how simple SuSE and others make the install, administration etc. of ALL Linux, as well as ALL software providers! As long as it just about takes an "act of Congress" to install a system, sound drivers, fonts, printers, etc., etc., then you are correct. IF the folks at SuSE and elsewhere get their act together, then Linux will be Bill Gates WORST nightmare!!
Fred
I _promise_ that this will be my last note on this subject (uncrosses fingers).
In theory, you're absolutely right. But your conclusion applies not only to installs but to the maintenance of the OS and apps as well. After all, most "mortal" users buy a box with Win95/98 preinstalled and preconfigured. They never touch the OS again. Their efforts to add a new printer or a new modem, etc. often end in utter disaster (been there, done that I'm ashamed to admit). If they're lucky, they have a techie friend (someone who has already been through an install) who can bail them out, or they turn to Usenet or (more likely) AOL.
And, a lot of us fix their systems. They assume, as to Apple users, that they don't have to do anything but type at the keyboard. No matter what OS is used, there's a minimal about of administration at least.
OK, you reply, Linux is the same situation. Well, not exactly. The user base isn't comparable, so I'm not likely to be able to turn to the techie next door. Leaves me with Usenet or this group--smart and helpful people, yes, but not many of you. Installs of new apps (YaST aside) aren't of the "click install" flavor; never mind compiling and installing.
This is true, presently.
So, I suggest that Bill G's success is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Linux will never, ever reach the point of offering the point-and-click convenience that ordinary users (pop, mom, _and_ the folks at the office) need and demand. If Linux ever does achieve such a thing, I wonder how the current hard core Linux folks will feel about that?
I don't know how'd they react, however, Linux is able to provide both. I don't see it as a problem. Fred -- 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
participants (4)
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fmiller＠lightlink.com -
hlarons＠mail.comcat.com -
lsayre＠integrityonline13.com -
mhtexcollins＠ccms.net