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Posts in 2008 November 07
Non-Constructive Linux Bashing Does Require A Kevlar Suit
An article published in iTWire titled “Opinion: why Linux sucks at being user friendly” has been drawing a lot of attention recently. I am going to start by responding to each of the author’s points and then pointing out what I think the overall problem is.
1. The only specific detail stated in this point is the accusation that Linux updates tend to break your system. I don’t know what software the author is using, but I have never had a Linux update break my system.
2. The second point states that Linux heavily protects the system, while leaving the user’s data open to attack. That may be true, but (1) there are no viruses in the wild for desktop Linux as far as I know and (2) viruses do not usually trash user’s files. There is little point in this. Instead, they use the computer to send spam, join a botnet, spy on the user, etc. Finally, how could you protect the user’s data without seriously annoying them?
3. I don’t compile software from source. I just don’t. And I get along just fine.
4. On help files, he may be right. I don’t have enough experience with built in help to know.
5. This is the one that really bothers me. The author claims that in order to use a flash drive, you have to go to the terminal and mount it. I just tried it right now. You plug in the flash drive and it pops up a window with the files on it open, just as he said it should.
I think the overall problem is this: the claims are not specific enough. The author may be right that Linux has a usability problem, but after reading his post, I have no idea what the problem is or how to fix it. If the author has made a list of specific problems with Linux’s usability and specified what distirbution he was using, he would have gotten a much better responce (and not needed the kevlar suit he mentioned.)
Fedora 10’s release is coming up at the end of this month, all the features are decided, so why not take a look at what to expect?
- A Cleaner Startup Fedora 10 is expected to have a much improved startup. In addition to a faster time to boot, there are supposed to be less flickers and glances of text. The goal is to have a fast startup without any flickers out of the GUI.
- Better Hardware Support As with every new release, Fedora 10 is supposed to have better out-of-the-box hardware support. This release, the focus is on remote controls, webcams, and printers. If you have a troublesome device of any of these types, you will probably want to check out Fedora 10.
- First Aid Kit Mess up your system? No problem with Fedora 10. First Aid Kit combines numerous methods for recovering messed up systems into one automated, safe process. This should be good for tinkerers and anyone who has a habit of messing up their systems.
- More Desktop Environments Fedora 10 is also going to feature some new less common desktop environments. LXDE, a lightweight, modular everyday desktop environment as well as Sugar, the OLPCs interface, will both be included for you to try out, or even use day-to-day.
- Online Service Integration Perhaps the most interesting new feature of Fedora 10 is the integration with web applications, though the GNOME Online Desktop. Functionality is still fairly limited, but you should be able to log in to some accounts, such as your GMail account and enjoy some integration between your desktop and the cloud. GNOME Online Desktop may not be the most impressive feature today, but it certainly stands to be in the future.