I had much harsher words for Julia but I deleted my first response.
I don't doubt you did, because you're operating under today's computing paradigm. But I applaud your kind gesture and you deserve credit for it.
My three correlations summed things up nicely without insult.
For you perhaps. But they didn't help her, or answer her questions.
Linux was never an OS that behaved like Windows. It was never meant to be. It still is not today.
Actually, I don't care if Linux behaves like Windows (nor did I mention it in my post). We can leave Windows out of it; a desktop computer doesn't necessarily have to act like Windows. That said, if we are content to leave Linux in the back room, to the exclusive use of the experts, then let's do so.
You have to weigh off ease of use with power of use.
That's the horrible truth of computing today.
I am sure one day we will combine the two and have the OS of all OS'
Oh really? The problem is, that as long as we believe in our hearts that we "have to weigh off ease of use with power of use" then what is the incentive to combine the two? We need a fundamental paradigm shift, now. Today. We need to listen to people like Julia. She is pointing the way towards how we might combine the two. She is showing us how we are failing people like her.
Maybe it will suit you or Julia. Maybe it will never arrive.
We have given Julia plenty of help leading her to Samba information. She said she doesn't have the time to track down the problems she has. We cannot help her if she has no time to invest in learning about Unix/Windows networking.
That is a very sad situation, and goes to the heart of the problem. We need a fundamental paradigm shift. This is what I'm hearing (from you and the industry in general): User: I have a problem Expert: Give me a detailed analysis of your problem. User: I don't have time for that... I don't understand it... I just need it to work. Expert: Listen, if you can't figure it out you've got a serious problem. Get back to me after you've gotten your Baccalaureate Degree in <Technology X>. (whatever X happens to be in the moment) The dialog should be more like: Expert: Hmm... well if you don't get it, there must be something wrong with my - Installation procedures - Error reporting - reference manuals or, you, Mr. User, are mentally retarded and I'm both surprised and confused that you were able to send me an email about this problem.
We gladly invite her back when:
There is no need to invite her back. She is always welcome. In the meantime, we will enact solution 0: 0. She is able to install Samba quickly and easily. In the event the install fails, the on-screen dialogs will pinpoint the cause of the problem so she can readily repair it or, send the data to a group of experts who will be able to point her to a solution in short order. Well much of this discussion is dialogue that clouds two truths: 1. We need a fundamental paradigm shift. Computers must be made easier to use. All computers. 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. Again, http://www.unfinishedrevolution.com/book.html -- -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.