Re: Linux on the desktop, take 2

["Matt Shields-4" <user=23@nabble.blu.org>]

 On Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote: 

> I've been sort of following the thread and it occurs to me that it has 
> sort of spiraled out of context with Canonical and GPL compliance, etc. 
> 
> Stepping back to consider "ready for the desktop," I'm not sure what that 
> means in any real sense. I've seen my 70 year old mom try to use her Mac. 
> It took her a bit of learning of concepts and techniques to be able to use 
> it. She was reluctant to switch to Mac from Windows, but Windows was 
> something I was no longer going to deal with. (I have a life too.) 
> 
> Now she loves her Mac and can't believe all the non-sense she had to deal 
> with on Windows. 
> 
> It occurs to me that "ready for the desktop" has nothing to do with any 
> solid and quantifiable measure. Unless it is exactly the same as what you 
> are used too, but better, there will always be resistance to acceptance. 
> Any differences, regardless of severity, will be trotted out by people as 
> reasons why "A" is better than "B" because one is used to "A" and 
> perceives it as better. 
> 
> The second problem is compatibility, there will always be compatibility 
> issues between different systems, especially when one vendor has a great 
> amount of control over a large base. Again, if upstart "A" does not play 
> nice with established system "B" the perception is that "A" is not ready, 
> regardless if "B" is the problem. 
> 
> The last issue is pre-installation. Mom and pop aren't installing Linux 
> any time soon. 
> 
> Therefor, I think that Linux, for all rational evaluation has been "ready 
> for the desktop" since the late '90s. I have been using Linux exclusively 
> as my desktop system since 1995/1996. 
> 
> The problem is the perception of Linux and more so the perceived value in 
> adjusting your ways to a new system. The Macintosh is riding high now 
> because Windows generally and Vista specifically are a disaster. The Mac 
> is slick, clean, and has a great marking campaign. The image is carefully 
> controlled and wonderfully portrayed by Justin Long. Linux has no such 
> image or marketing. 
> 
> So, is it ready for the desktop? Yes. Are people ready for it? Not without 
> some a likable face, a solid reason to switch, and an easy way to get 
> there. I'm imagining an HP ad where someone like Robert Downey jr, as Tony 
> Stark, says "You could use Windows... but I prefer solid engineering and 
> reliability, that's why we use HP with Linux pre-installed at Stark Labs." 
> 
>