[Sussex] RE: Linux and the Average User

[Dave Chapman]

On Tuesday 12 July 2005 13:03, Gareth Ablett wrote:
>  From: Geoffrey Teale [mailto:gteale at cmedresearch.com]
>  Subject: Re: [Sussex] RE: Linux and the Average User
>
> > On Tuesday 12 July 2005 11:55, Richie Jarvis wrote:
> > > > Users don't want to have to configure anything. They just "want it
>
> too
>
> > > > work". Not too spend hours/days/weeks (in my case years), trying
>
> to
>
> > > > learn how something works, just too get it to "go"!
> >
> > Actually, as MH and I have discussed off list, users say that, but
>
> they have
>
> > double standards.  They are used to jumping through all manner of
>
> hoops to
>
> > get Windows and MS Office to "just work", but the slightest bump in
>
> the road
>
> > with Linux causes them to run screaming.
>
> If we can work out why this is then would could make Linux even more
> inviting to new users, Is it because of;
> A) the tech support guy at wanadoo said we don't support linux.
> B) Because you get a nice fluffy blue screen (BSOD) when everything goes
> wrong.
> C) Because I know windows should do it I just need to play a bit harder.
> (Therefore meaning that due to lack of knowledge in Linux puts people
> off.)
>
> As soon as linux gets introduced as an alternative at a younger age you
> will see attitudes change.
My boys computer has Win2K and Linux onit.
Some time ago I removed Win2k from the Grub menu so they had no choice but to 
use Linux which they have become quite used to.
Now that I have put Win2K back they keep using that even tho they have to 
select it.
When asked why the answer is "Duno"
Teenagers eh