Re: OT: I've had it with Windows - got Linux working

Jim Carr wrote:

"Brian Running" <brunning@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:zVZ9i.16577$C96.7195@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


What amazes me is that we, as consumers, put up with the unbelievably clunky way that all operating systems work. They're better than they used to be, but there's no reason why computers should only be easy to use for experienced users.


You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

If it's easy for a novice, it's aggravating for the experienced user. Over the years people like myself have grown increasingly frustrated with all the stuff they've added to make it *easier* for our moms. I think that's one reason for the success (if you can call it that) of Linux. Experts want more control, not more guardrails.


The only tactical reason to go for Linux is the dizzying array of
networking options. And that's diminishing.

Look closely at any field, and you'll see that there will be products of vary degrees of complexity and performance based on user expertise. What's unique about operating systems and software in general is that the OS is a common denominator. There's very little choice at all, so it tries to be a one size fits all. Imagine if they did that for PA systems. The *only* thing you could buy would be all-in-one powered mixers with graphic EQ and digital effects into 8 ohm two-way cabinets. Period.


Guess what? We're getting there. I'll wager market penetration of
the Mackie plastic speakers at better than 50% around here.

Another *huge* factor is that people want inexpensive peripherals with lots of choices. By definition that's going to create more compatibility issues. If you want a really stable system with true Plug and Play, then the price will go up and the choices will go down. Macs were relatively closed-off in terms of technology, and look where that got them. As they've opened things up more over the years, the more complaints you hear about the system.


Windows simply affords the peripheral developer the opportunity
to keep his interfaces properitary. In reality, this does nothing
at all for his bottom line, but his lawyers know they can sink NRE under
the guise of building intellectual capital, and that must be protected.

People want their computers to be able to do everything rather than be able to do *any* thing. All at once they want to surf the net, capture digital pictures, play graphics intensive games, muck around with audio, make videos, create spreadsheets, exchange e-mail, and look at pretty web pages that remember *only* the information they should remember while they remain anonymous and secure on their wireless network.

Most of the folks in alt.music.home-studio will tell you if you want to edit audio, dedicate your machine to the task. I've developed software for many years. My development machines do only that. Sure, a computer can do a zillion things, but honestly, not all at once. They will never be able to do that unless some company enforces standards, which will drive up prices and slow down time to market.


Rot. I'll have dozens and dozens of windows open at once at work. XP hardly ever needs rebooting.

Knowing what I know about the internal workings, I'm surprised the damned things work at all!



--
Les Cargill
.