Linux and Newbies: Some Cold, Hard Reality
This is a classic case of newbie frustration. To quote:
arggghhh I swear as much as I like ubuntu/linux, I am sick of dealing with all the issues. No one has anything for a beginner. I dont’ even know how to create a new folder above my home directory, and I’m already on my 50th google just to watch one stupid wmv video.
Also is the Mplayer kaffiene? or do I download Mplayer from somewhere else? I’m trying to watch a video for my homework here.
If linux wants to make it mainstream, the support has got to get better people. Put in all the steps. Sorry for venting, but it’s tough being a “newbie.”
My point is going to be (a) the typical reaction of Linux apologists to this is WRONG, and ( my own unconventional means of addressing this issue.
The Linux apologists are the ones pushing to throw away everything that makes Linux Linux in the feverish hopes that Linux will replace Microsoft and get the world market. Doubtless, I could circulate this to ten random technology blogs and in the morning there will be ten new "Linux will never make it on the desktop" editorials. The suggestions will run the gamut from how Linux "elitists" drive newbies away, through to suggestions that we throw away the folder hierarchy system, and there will be plenty of bashing of Linux's user interface along the way. You could set your watch to it.
Here's how I would react to a newbie who said this to me:
- Login or register to post comments
- Printer-friendly version
- 1420 reads
- PDF version
More in Tux Machines
- Highlights
- Front Page
- Latest Headlines
- Archive
- Recent comments
- All-Time Popular Stories
- Hot Topics
- New Members
digiKam 7.7.0 is releasedAfter three months of active maintenance and another bug triage, the digiKam team is proud to present version 7.7.0 of its open source digital photo manager. See below the list of most important features coming with this release. |
Dilution and Misuse of the "Linux" Brand
|
Samsung, Red Hat to Work on Linux Drivers for Future TechThe metaverse is expected to uproot system design as we know it, and Samsung is one of many hardware vendors re-imagining data center infrastructure in preparation for a parallel 3D world. Samsung is working on new memory technologies that provide faster bandwidth inside hardware for data to travel between CPUs, storage and other computing resources. The company also announced it was partnering with Red Hat to ensure these technologies have Linux compatibility. |
today's howtos
|
Recent comments
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago
1 year 11 weeks ago