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Re: Why Linux is Easier to Use than Mac OS X or Windows

__/ [ Sandman ] on Sunday 26 March 2006 20:15 \__

> In article <e06knk$15kd$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
>  Roy Schestowitz <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> * Easier to Get: It's Free!
> 
> Actually, it's easier for the end user to buy a Mac and turn it on
> than to download Linux and install it. Heck, even if you buy OSX
> seperately, it's easier to install than most Linux distros.


You can buy a machine with Linux pre-installed. Many vendors do this nowadays
and this is /far/ cheaper (for low end -- as cheap as ~$150 in the US) than
the offerings from Apple.


>> * Regular "Full" Releases
> 
> Just like OSX.


Untrue. Compare Ubuntu and OS X, for example.


>> * More Hardware Compatible
> 
> Than Windows? Than Macs, sure. Typically, a regular user doesn't have
> to be compatible with EKG machines, or radioation panel controllers.
> They're happy if they can use a digital camera, a DV cam and a
> bluetooth cell phone.


Which is *exactly* what Linux can achieve at present. Any device that I
plug-in is  automatically detected, or mounted, or made available as a
service. No need for additional software either, with the exception of
occasional software/driver installation (especially in YaST, not Ubuntu's
Synaptic/apt-get). Drivers are bundled to the distribution's base or get
fetched transparently over the Net.


>> * KDE
> 
> Surely you're not counting KDE as one of the reasons why *Linux* is
> easier to use than OSX? I mean, if you're going to pick an "easy"
> window manager, wouldn't you have picked Gnome? Plus, actually list
> why? :)


Not my own words, bear in mind.

Choose your poison and go with it. At least Linux gives *choice*, which often
makes it adaptable to a wider range of available hardware.


>> * Unified Installation Database
> 
> What does that mean? Package Management? I'm afraid most package
> management tools look rather arcane to a general user, who doesn't
> have an interest in seeing things like "aalib1 - ascii art library" in
> their choices for installable software.


Explanation by example: how can you update Firefox automatically in OSX? Or
Web server software? The answer is you cannot. You need to tour around the
Web, picking up binaries for all your third-party applications.

Keeping track of updates and vulnerabilities is yet another issue. For that
particular reason, I have to syndicate sites that maintain Web-based
software I use. It's far from ideal. It's time-consuming even if the
individual applications prompt the user and request an update.

Linux does not have such issues. Mac OS X and Windows are still behind Linux
in that respect. They take no responsibility for so-called 'plug-ins', such
as a graphical toolkit, a PDF reader or security-oriented software.


>> * True Out-of-Box Experience
> 
> Out-of-box? What does that mean? It works right out of the box? Surely
> you're not giving this as a point to Linux and not to OSX?


Have you read the item at all? I provided a link. *smile*


>> * Easier to Customize
> 
> Easier to customize doesn't actually equate to easier to use.


It does. I like it when window focus follows mouse. Let us say I have always
done that. How can I ever cope with windows (assuming no hackware)? Will it
make it easier for me to use the environment in a way which is predictable
_to me_? No. The vendor makes such decisions arrogantly and leaves no choice
or neglects further implementation.


>> * Huge Support Community
> 
> Because it needs lots of support?


No. Because there are not many Linux professional around who charge $30 an
hour for help with the computer. Windows Most Valued Professionals and Apple
stores know how to make that after-sale revenue. Windows users also know how
to exploit the next-door neighbour and drain his/her available leisure time.
With forums, you have simultaneous access to many minds, one of which will
solve the problem promptly, without hassle and tinkering. Additionally,
forums get archived, which leaves a trail of knowledgebases.


>> * Installing Apps
> 
> Unless you want the latest version, or a commercial application. :)


That's just cynical.


>> * There is a Distro for Everything
> 
> But not one distro for everything? :)


Again, cynicism.

Best wishes,

Roy

-- 
Roy S. Schestowitz      |    Useless fact: Every polar bear is left-handed
http://Schestowitz.com  |    SuSE Linux     ¦     PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E
  7:20pm  up 18 days  9:05,  9 users,  load average: 0.49, 0.91, 0.92
      http://iuron.com - Open Source knowledge engine project

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