Re: [PLUG] Interesting Article from eWeek

[Paul <gyoza@comcast.net>]

Howard Bloom wrote:

> It would appear that although he liked it very much, many things are not as
> easy to use as windows especially for the novice.
>  
No doubt.  I think the important points end there.

> "A few complications
> But overall, (and here's where staunch Linux fans will take exception) this
> machine is not as easy to use for most computer users as the same machine
> running Windows XP or (if it could) Apple's OS X.  You still need to know a
> lot more about the inner workings of a computer to excel on a Linux machine.
>  
That last sentence is written with a negative ring to it, but it is one 
of the benefits of Linux.  The ability to get to the inner workings, and 
the knowledge that is gained by doing so.  Granted, in some cases you 
must deal with the computer at a lower level than you prefer, but not 
always.

> For instance, software installs aren't as easy to figure out as on a Windows
> or Mac computer. You must figure out on your own things like where to store
> the software and associated programs and how to handle permissions. These
> are not things most consumers want to do. Installs should be easy to find
> when completed. That's not always the case for new Linux users.
>  
I can't say that using RPMs is that difficult.

Yeah, home users don't want to deal with permissions.  That's one reason 
why viruses wipe out their harddrives.  Administrators, on the other 
hand, may need to make use of access controls for business users.  
Actually, even individual users in a public environment should secure 
their own system to some degree.

Linux systems receive criticism when features like automatic login are 
used, especially if it logins in as root.  There is a reason for that 
which is lost on typical Windows users.  With ease of use come 
limitations and vulnerability.   Flexibility, security, and empowerment 
also come at a cost.

> Then there's how the notebook handles the little things like WiFi
> networking: although the HP/SuSE notebook now automatically connects to my
> access point, it only remembers one group of settings. I have two access
> points at home, not to mention others to which I regularly connect. With the
> nx5000, you need to change the access point and WEP settings separately for
> each location. Tell that to Windows and Mac users and they'll laugh." 
>
>  
Recently I read an article about a KDE program which handles multiple 
wireless networks.  Again, you're correct; Linux users need to think 
more and be more aware.  Is that such a bad thing?

How many Windows users use WEP?  No offense intended, but it seems like 
it would take too much effort to implement.  Actually, I don't even use 
WEP right now; I'm running OpenVPN.  WEP would have been easier!  I'm 
still wondering if my wireless is more secure with OpenVPN instead of 
WEP with a routine key change.


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