Computer Association of SIUE - Forums

I've been hovering in the background following the pushed "usability" of Ubuntu, but I think this is the first actual test I've read about. Someone set their girlfriend up in front of a fresh installation of Ubuntu.  The results:
http://contentconsumer.com/2008/04/27/is-ubuntu-useable-enough-for-my-girlfriend/

I'll readily admit that I haven't toyed around with Ubuntu, but I think this article points to some of the bigger problems with Linux in general, not just Ubuntu. For example:

Quote
She tried double-clicking the file, and Ubuntu just asked her what sheââ,¬â,,¢d like to do with it. The option ââ,¬Å"runââ,¬Â results in it crashing. No clue was given to her that she should open up a terminal and type ââ,¬Ëœ./flashplayer-installerââ,¬â,,¢. To be fair, there are links to installation instructions, but the average person acclimatised to Windows is not expecting to have to read complex information before installing a program ââ,¬â€œ all they need to do is double click it.

I have been using ubuntu/linux only for the past 7 months. I would say I love it compared to anything I've used before even though it does have some quirks. As far as anyone who is not tech savy or a programmer using it seems completely worthless at it's stage of development. A lot of simple features could have some complicated configuration issues for an average pc user. (Bluetooth, Wireless for certain wireless cards, printing, certain drivers, etc). This article seems to point that out.

yesterday an article popped up on Digg about Ubuntu having won the "Best Desktop Experience" award at a Linux conference. My first thought was obviously, "compared to what?" but it was an opportunity to get my jollies by goading fan boys into debating the usability of linux.  Ubuntu definately deserves props. As for as linux for the desktop goes, it's actually going in the right direction.  If they really want to succeed though, they'll need to look at some of Mac's notes on OsX.

I was talking to some people about this the other day.  I feel that Linux and Windows have both found their place and are going to stay there unless something drastic happens.  Usability is not the only reason I feel this way.

First, any variation of Linux is hard for a Windows user to use.  It is different.  I mean, the average run of the mill user that "upgraded" to Vista has problems.  Of course they are going to have issues going to something complete different.  Linux was developed by hardcore developers around the world and given away for free.  They have no interest in making it usable by idiots because there is no benefit for them.  If they want that, they can just use Windows.  There for, that is the first reason I feel Linux is going to stay the developers choice OS and Windows will stay the "average" persons choice.  However, Apple is coming into the picture with some pretty cool stuff for Macs, but that is another discussion.

My second reason for believing that Linux and Windows will stay where they are for a long time is Money.  Right now I use both Windows and Linux (Ubuntu).  I have seen the light and began to use Unix for all my developing, unless otherwise required.  However, I am a gamer, I have a kid, and a not so tech savy wife, so I have Windows as well.  Right now, it is rumored that Microsoft gives "donations" to many game companies to keep them making games only for Windows.  This is because Microsoft has a lot to gain, where, well who would gain anything from Linux breaking into this market?

Anyways, to sum it all up, Windows has capitalized on people's lack of knowledge of computers and made things easy for them.  This will keep them strong.  Also, they keep people who know about the benefits of Linux (mostly developers who happen to like a video game or two) coming back because most of the good games are not compatible with Linux.  So, Windows will stay strong and Linux will keep playing the roll of the developers choice.  Just my opinion.

Tony

I should give this a try with my girlfriend lol.