[Wftl-lug] Bye bye desktop Linux

[Michael Willems]

Christian,

Oh, I know about OS's - again, been installing them since 1980, long before Windows (CP/M was an upgrade from OSI for me). But it should not be "hardship".. in 2007, there is just no excuse for an install that dumps you into:
  /bin/sh: can't access tty; job control turned off
  (initramfs)
..and if 12,000 other people experience the same issue, that's rather a lot of hardship.

I was going to move my wife FROM Windows to Linux. But evidently that failed, and it really isn't worth another evening of my time (which I have now spent on it with zero result), let alone even more. Sure, no doubt I can work on this for two weeks and get it working, but that is exactly the sort of thing that makes Linux not a credible desktop option... and it's pretty much the same every time, unfortunately.

As for Win-centric apps: maybe, but not MS-centric. My wife only runs email, OOo and Firefox. one of which are from Redmond.

Cheers,
Michael

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Christian Einfeldt 
  To: The WFTL LUG 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 22:48
  Subject: Re: [Wftl-lug] Bye bye desktop Linux


  hi 


  On 6/20/07, Michael Willems <michael at willems.ca> wrote:
    Fabian,

    > How a serious hardware problem makes Ubuntu "crapware" really beats
    > me. I'd love to hear how that same machine ends up running any other OS.

    I am sure that it will install and run Windows no problem. After I get to 
    the store, I'll let you know...


  Michael, it is true that FOSS is not for everyone.  But before I cough up the money for Windows, I personally would try running a live CD with some type of Linux on it, to see if that helps you.  And if that live CD runs on that box, then you might try installing it.  

  Also, Michael, remember that an OS can sometimes be like a relationship with a significant other:  sure, there are times when you just want to walk away, but remember that any other woman will have different issues.  People are complex, and so are computers.  Sometimes leaving a lover and starting a new relationship will solve problems.  But other times, new problems crop up.  And I am not sure that the Windows community is as helpful as the FOSS community. I personally would rather have the frustrations of Linux and get the FOSS community, than have Windows and its problems.  But I acknowledge that Windows is the right choice for some people.. 

  One other thing:  If you choose Windows, you are making a more long-term commitment to Windows-centric applications.  I chose the Debian pool and all the apps that I can run for free as in beer.  And, again, I get the feeling that those programs are really mine, not rented.  For me, that is worth the hardship. 



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