That is the point I am making.
Until Redhat, (or any other Linux bundle), can put together an installation that is not tedious, I, (and millions of others like me), will continue to use the relatively simple Microsoft Windows OS.
I tried Linux about two years ago, and gave up on it then also because it was too complicated to setup.
You have been using Linux for 6 years. That's great!
I did not even buy a personal computer until 1994. It wasn't until the 486 came out that I could even do anything with them, 386's and 286's were too slow. I used to program in FORTRAN77 on a main frame. I bought a Toshiba 486 laptop and an MS FORTRAN compiler and began writing the estuary models I used to write on an HP-3000. It was great. I could program while I sailed around Alaska on my 48 foot ketch. Two years later I bought a P75 Toshiba laptop. It was pre-loaded with Win95. I still have it. I moved all my programming over to Visual Basic, (easy to convert from FORTRAN77). I upgraded the OS to Win98 as soon as it came out.
Now I have a laptop and a desktop. I'm a programmer, not a systems analyst, or server operator. I use a spreadsheet, a word processor, a web browser, e-mail, VB 3.0 through VB 5.0, Javascript, Adobe 5.0, Laplink, AutoCad R13, Dreamweaver, I program embedded applications, I program a little in Borland C++ and Java, I have two websites that I maintain, etc....
I want to be able to use similar applications with Linux that I use with the Windows environment. I'm willing to put some time into learning a new system, but not if it eats into my work time. The Redhat help desk is only open from 9AM to 9PM Mon-Fri. So, I only get 3 hours a day of help on the phone, (6 PM to 9 PM).
I have never had to call Microsoft for help!!! And although their OS is a piece of #$%^&, Redhat's does not even load properly. You say I need to buy another $90 Application to get the XWindow working.
The point I'm making is that I am not computer illiterate. Nor am I a genius. I'm just an average guy that thinks he knows something about computers and programming.
I don't know.... The personal computer software business still has a long way to go before they get it right. All operating systems are too complicated and buggy. We will have to hold out for another 10 years before a GOOD OS comes around. Until then we will waste inordinate amounts of time paying good money to beta test OS's for Redhat, Microsoft, Apple, BeOs, etc....
I'm not ready to give up on Linux. I'm just disappointed that it doesn't work right out of the package.
I think I'll pass on investing in this jewel until later. To me this is the fundamental investment analysis. Does their product work for the target audience? My answer to that question is,... NO. If the target Audience is the everyday computer user.
Microsoft is not going to die anytime soon.
Brien Hamilton |
