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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.)
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ignorant fools writing fud about linux makes Mr. T mad.
PeterKraus – Sorry. My fault again, but this time I have an excuse. I somehow got banned from my own site last night at about 11:50. Needing to get the post out ASAP, I coppied the post into a text document and moved it to my Mac to post it. Obviously the formatting was lost. Sorry again. I don’t intend to get locked out of my site again in the future .
Your end satisfaction with Linux has a lot to do with your choice of distro. The key word here is choice. You have one. If you don’t like the one you are using then you can try another, at no cost.
Not every distro is created equal. Many use the same kernel, but package management may be an issue. There are several to choose from and some are better than others. RPM based distros can be prone to breakage while Debian based ones can be more durable, but any package manager can break especially if you abuse them by installing things you shouldn’t. My advice is, if you want a happier experience and less breakage, try a Debian based distro. I started with Mandrake many years ago and have used just about every distro since, so I know all about breakage.
There is much misinformation out there on Linux. Some of it is part of FUD campaigns designed to make Linux look bad and turn people back to the Borg. We need to be aware that not everything we read is to be taken at face value, but are part of a bigger design. We will see more of them in the coming months as M$ stalls for time and gets ready for the release of Windows 7 in December 2009. The purpose of the FUD campaign is to keep users confused enough that M$ can come in to save the day. Resistance is futile. Or is it?
Doh. Link missing _again_? Not that I am lazy to UTFG, but D’OH.