Hey Proxx,
Yes that is because you installed and set it up for your mom. Why don't you give her the install dvd and let her install it from scratch. Setup a mail client and install firefox. Those are just two applications, not to mention of people want to use something like libre office or other software applications.
Lol , I got it, ask a regular user to setup his/her own env, exactly the same story.
Wut.. IMAP ... etc etc, most users are to plain stupid to manage a windows install, they get it when they buy a pc, when it burns they buy a new one..
One thing that is so pretty about my example is that she is unbiased which is great.
Thus my point; go ahead , tap whatever you think is good, ffs it works...
Want to see an average person understanding.
- how and why a software repository is added to a package manager
- How to troubleshoot basic problems with network connections (firewalls)
Same argument applies, regular user and this ^ lol, no matter what OS, they will fail.
The network interface since say vista is PURE horror, even a novice user has a hard time understanding this total clutter those fuckjob americans call an interface, the repair button lmfao.
It just doesnt work, we like to keep people stupid because yes if you are going to put it like this noone will ever understand the slightest concepts on networking.
If they are going to touch it.. just show it , shiny buttons that don't do shit will only promote stupidity.
If a users needs to do something with networking (which is hardly ever the case) show them what is going on, it wont hurt and might , just might teach something in the end.
And a package manager is far far more logical than downloading some exe from some website and have a total custom installation every single fucking time.
Oops another toolbar.
For you explaining is easy because you use Linux on a daily basis, but out of experience (IT erxperience) users don't understand that fast. Even a switch between Windows XP and Windows 7 can be a strugle, let alone stand when they switch to something like Linux.
It is not that people 'won't' understand, it is that avarage people can't be bothered by learning how to use and manage a completely new OS.
the statement that she 'can't break shit' is nonsense, wether it is Windows or Linux things can get broken because people don't know what there doing.
Uhm... toolbars , malware , crap crap and more crap.
No she cannot break this install , windows separation of what should be in userspace and what not is ridiculous.
Applications just install in user space and cause terrible things on the system etc etc.
I dont see this as a valid argument.
From personal experience Ive seen people break shit that should be unbreakable because windows is targeted and silly by design.
And ofcourse linux/mac/BSD/solaris or whatever you come up with is breakable, just saying this might actually be a challenge compared to windows.
I work in IT, I have daily issues of all kinds , dont think you are alone here.
The reasons I bring up these points is because I know what I am talking about.
The only way to have a user work on windows and protect them from their own fucking stupidity/lack of understanding/security is to have a total lockdown.
Still they manage to scoop up malware, open up obviously phishing mails or whatever crap.
And nag about good passwords, limited freedom etc.
Understand that I am not fighting a windows vs linux war here.
I had many many many of those discussions and they are pointless.
Iam fighting a vs windows war because I am convinced we can do better.
What I am saying is that windows is the accepted standard and people got used to this silly GUI/interface.
The fact that they are used to dealing with total crapware (and again let me remind you I manage tons of windows servers etc) is because they are used to it.
This does by far not prove that this is the way to go.
I agree with you to full extend that breaking this circle is a very tough game which is scary to even attempt.
But again this is not because this is what we need for the future, I honestly hope the complete microsoft monopoly burns down to the ground.
Within 50 or perhaps 100 years people wont even know what that word means.
I would love to experiment with a customer that is willing to take the challenge to set him up on a completely linux based system.
And if 100 calls , remote sessions and education is what it takes.. I will with proud.
Perhaps I am a dreamer and an extremist or whatever you would like to call it but I honestly believe that this point of view is what get us where we are today and is what we need to succeed as mankind, using the same thought patterns we used to create problems will never solve the latter.
Gimme another tree.