* Alias:
"Linux are for techies"
I installed Ubuntu for a 74 year old lady who is no techie. She's very
happy with it and hasn't had a problem in over six months. With XP, she
was calling every week to have all the viruses and malware removed. Last
week, a friend installed it for a family with a six year old and an
eight year old. They love it and are not, by any stretch of the
imagination, techies.
Face it, Linux is ready for the general public. I know it and all the
Ubuntu and other flavors of Linux knows it and Microsoft knows it
(patents and all that jazz). Why don't the MS fanboys and girls know it?
The above also counters your theory that the "mainstream public" doesn't
want to switch to a new OS.
Alias, while I agree with you in general about the readiness and
viability of Linux as a mainstream desktop OS, there are most definitely
times when I just think you're blowing smoke, or exaggerating.
WinXP and Vista can be secured properly so that critters and crapware
are not a problem. It's been a long time since I've had any type of
infection on any of my machines. When you were helping the older
lady with her computer when she had XP- did you not properly secure
it for her? Changing a few settings in IE can make big difference. Having
an AV, of course. And anti-spyware. But you know this. Did you do these
things for her? Of course, the best thing you could have done for her
was make her a Limited User account. I seriously doubt a 74 year-old lady
is going to need to mess around in the settings and/or install a bunch of
software. Especially, once you had her setup. I do think it's a good thing
that you have taken the time to help someone... an older person, especially.
When I see folks talk about how they are infected with so much garbage,
I cringe. Of course, it's possible. But there are effective means to properly
secure a Windows' machine, and with a little bit of user education, they can
stay infection free.
Recently I have been speaking up about Linux and especially, PCLinuxOS.
I really like PCLinuxOS. I don't dislike Ubuntu, but for me, PCLinuxOS just
"feels" better. I sincerely hope Linux keeps growing and I want them to
do well.... competition is *never* a bad thing, and I've never understood
why so many Microsoft fan-childs get so defensive. So many of them act
like Microsoft is their mommy or daddy, and when you offer criticism, it's
like you've attacked something sacred of theirs.... quite pitiful, really.
However, that also goes the other way, too. There are lots of die-hard Linux
users who have nothing but contempt for anyone who uses Windows, and
that's a shame, too.
I use Microsoft products and it may be awhile before I even seriously
consider leaving those products behind. I actually want Microsoft to be
better, to make a better OS, and deliver on their hype and promises.
While I do not think Vista is crap, I am quite disappointed, and this is not
coming from someone who tried it and gave up.... I've been using Vista regularly
since June 2006. All I can really say about Vista, it works and might be a bit
more stable than XP... once you get some kinks worked out. It's really not
any faster, and I strongly dislike the poor performance of Windows Explorer.
The expanded intrusions of DRM and WGA are a major concern, and probably
have a lot to do with some of Vista's performance problems. The many problems
folks seem to be having with reactivation just because someone across the street
farted, is getting beyond ridiculous.
Linux is ready now for many users who would like to switch, and it is
only getting better. Windows seems to be stagnant and may be getting
a bit stale. I welcome the competition- it will either make Microsoft better
or destroy them. Time will tell. Linux isn't going away, but behemoths like
Microsoft have come and gone throughout history. They either adapt and
innovate, or they die slow deaths.... think American car companies.
Anyway, that's my Sunday morning preachin'.
-Michael
