Re: [OT] Switching to Linux (was: Microsoft takes on ACT)

[Preben Randhol <randhol+abuse@pvv.org>]

On Sat, 25 May 2002 23:38:14 +0200, Michal Nowak wrote:
> 
> Linux is becoming good option for wider part of community. It supports 
> more and more devices and is easier to maintain. However, there
> are still some configuration issues, which require more computer 
> skills and knowledge than non-cs folk has. To force my TV card work
> with S3 Savage 4 card I had to do some kernel tweaking (and it still
> is a bit unstable). There is still too much black magic for a typical
> user. Well, using Linux I may feel a bit like a wizard among "normal"
> users :-). Hmm, I like this possibility to have whole system under 

The point is that the Linux developers have to figure out for themselves
how a device works unless the company developing this device wants to
share their documentation. Now device drivers are made for Windows by
the companies producing them so installing some brand new hardware can
be much easier on Windows.

When speaking about the ease of installation, on seem to forget that this
may not be so important. Example: my father uses Linux because of all
the Windows viruses and all the problems he got using Windows. I
installed Windows for him as he had no computer experience. And later I
installed Linux. All he has to concern himself with is to use the
computer for that he wants to do. He doesn't have to bother with the
underlaying drivers etc... And he has no problem with Linux compared to
Windows. Besides it is much easier for me to maintain his computer (now
that he has Linux) even if I reside 1000 km away from home.

Preben