Linux and the home PC user
Every now and then, I say something about Linux because I keep hoping it will become more familiar to home PC users. In particular, the distribution called Ubuntu seems to offer a usable desktop alternative for the more knowledgeable. It keeps getting updated and presumably more easily used. Unfortunately, it still relies too much on the command line for the average PC owner. Now, personally, I like the command line and even have a Website about the Windows version. But the command line is foreign territory for the average PC user. And in other ways, Linux is not exactly plug and play.
For example, today I was talking to a computer savvy friend who related some problems he has had with Ubuntu. Also, some recent posts I have seen state similar complaints. At CNET, Matt Asay has a post, Linux ‘desktop’ still too geeky for mainstream users? It begins:
There are companies like Intel, Canonical, Novell, etc., that are desperately trying to make Linux-based personal computers easier to use. Unfortunately, as Ubuntu fan Steven Rosenberg points out, there are often far too many decisions a lay user must make to make Linux just work for the average user.
Nonetheless, Asay sees hope for Linux:
This isn’t to suggest that the Linux “desktop” can’t work. It can, as the Linux Foundation’s Moblin distribution proves: it’s the most Mac-like Linux experience yet. It doesn’t require me to resort to a command line to make Linux work for me. It recognizes that I have better things to do.
So, the Linux “desktop” can work. But to do so, I think we need companies involved, companies that are trying to scratch a very different itch than the one developers may be inclined to scratch themselves. That itch is usability for average end users. It’s an experience that is high on ease of use and trades away choice.
Just in case some of you are intrepid enough to give Linux a try, Tom’s Hardware has a detailed guide to installing Ubuntu.
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Sol Libes has pointed out to me the Linux distribution called Easy Peasy, which is designed for netbooks.