Ever wondered – - what happens when a guy tricks his girlfriend into using Linux (to perform seemingly ’simple’ tasks) for the first time? If so, then this might prove to be an interesting read for some.
It gives an insight into how ready Linux is for the desktop, though some people might argue that this isn’t a test of ‘usability’ for Ubuntu, this is a test of Ubuntu’s similarity to Windows. And any non-savvy user might face similar obstacles on OS X or an OS they aren’t familiar with.. while some believe Linux hasn’t made it far enough to be even compared to OS X when it comes down to the UI. So now, you can read on and decide.
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Ahh.. posts like these are nothing but flame-bait. I’ve always thought that the question, “Is Linux ready for the Desktop?” should be rephrased as “Are you ready for Desktop Linux?”.
I’m writing this from a MacBook Pro, and it’s no doubt that the ah-ever-so-easy OS X requires some getting used to. When I first used a Mac I didn’t know that the little red button, did not close the window like the Wind0ws did. Usability is a percieved notion. I’ve learned far more from Slackware+Fvwm, than any full-fledged ‘desktop-ready’ distro.
You *cannot* compare GNU/Linux distros to OS X. Linux distros give more leg-space — you can stretch your legs when you want. OS X is kinda look-but-don’t-touch. Why tweak this, we’re giving the best. You wouldn’t want more. etc mentality.
As for me, I’ll be happy with my Debian+Xfce on my desktop box, and Ubuntu+GNOME on my laptop.
correction: The little-red-button did not *kill* the app as it did on Wind0ws. It just closes the window. :p
You’ve to use Apple-Q to kill the app.
Yeah your right about the leg-space part, you can’t compare Linux to OS X.
Linux technology changes very fast and you are free to edit your system to suit your needs that alone lets Linux shine when compared to OS X.
If the question is “Are you ready for Desktop Linux?” then I guess most people would answer NO! They have this preconceived notion “Oh, its too difficult to get used to” or suffer from command-lineophobia.
The author does have a few good points in his article to help get rid of that fear and help ease the transition and learning experience, making it *better* than it already is
I’m sure they’d say “NO!”, unless they taste the elixir, that is.
A friend of mine, whom I convinced to try Kubuntu for a change approached me, “Huh, I didn’t know Linux was that easy. Could you uninstall Wind0ws for me?”. And this guy wasn’t a comp. geek. Just a level lower than your average Joe.
As I said, it’s the perspective that counts. I believe Ubuntu is clearing that with “Linux for Human Beings” and free(dom)/free-of-cost CDs as well!
Cherio!