Is Linux really that difficult?

logic1

Interesting article on how difficult newbies find linux. All you old skoolers regard unix as second nature but sometimes you have to look at how the new people view it.

"When I was asked to help two sets of newbies install and use Linux systems in one week, I took the opportunity to do a case study and discover just how hard Linux was to the absolute novice. The case study consists of my own family, who wanted wireless networking and Internet connection sharing, as well as a friend -- who shall remain nameless, lest he die of embarrassment -- who wanted a general-purpose Linux system."

taken from:

OS opinion

.logic.

Trojan

Based on a solid Linux business plan, my client decided that Linux was a good investment for most
of the company's employees, but will retain a few key Windows computers in the office for specific
applications.

Connecting Linux and Windows computers on the same network, and sharing Office 97/2000 files
between the different OSs, is easy and works well, thanks to Linux Red Hat and Star Office.

The primary reason for this decision was a $10,000 saving on his IT budget! For support reasons,
he decided to use a local Linux supplier for installation and configuration work.

http://www.robval.com/linux/desktop/index.asp

Al.

logic1

I gave up on star office ages ago.. might install it again later.

.logic.

Trojan

Download v6 in a couple of weeks: it's gonna rock, much quicker to load as they've separated the different apps from the original design.

Al.

Trojan

Doesn't talk much about the speed improvements, but they're there, check some of the alpha reviews around.

Al.


http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1276-210-7227276-1.html?tag=persidx

* XML file formats, which will give portability, interoperability and smaller file sizes

* Compatibility with native desktop environments--removal of the integrated desktop

* A revamped and simplified Help structure

* Improved Microsoft Office compatibility, especially with TrueType fonts

* New templates, clip art and graphics

* Asian-language support to deliver StarOffice functionality to key markets

Loomer

Originally posted by logic1
on how difficult newbies find linux.

Ahh yes I have met many a difficult newbie

eddhorse

i was one of those newbies last year and there is still a lot i dont know...i had to do a project involving linux and windows interacting and just installing the sound card alone took ages,granted it was the sound card and not me that was the problem....but all the README's are not a solution for newbies, they just think that like windows "follow the instructions and u should b ok" method should suffice....its a lot of reading but comes in handy

Trojan

http://www.sun.com/staroffice/6.0beta/

Have a look at that...

Al.