[ale] Let's Party!

[Geoffrey]

Jeff Lightner wrote:
> Even as a confirmed UNIX/Linux fan I'll have to call shenanigans on that
> assertion.  There's many a forum post devoted to things that do NOT
> "just work" on Linux installations.  
> 
> Linux' strengths are 
> 1)  It is free.
> 2)  It allows a user much more control. 
> 
> However, there IS a learning curve involved in getting up to speed with
> Linux which is why so many who can't stand MicroSloth still use it. 
> 
> Those of us who use Linux don't like bloat in the kernel but those who
> are trying to install it for the first time really hate it when simple
> things like the CD they booted from isn't found after the kernel takes
> over or that they can get all the way through an install only to see a
> "no bootable media found" message on their hard drive boot.   Not to
> mention all the issues with configuring displays and modems (especially
> wireless ones).  
> 
> The latter two issues are the ones I see newbies complain about most
> often but the former two are real killers.   Some newbies will try
> multiple distributions and may hit upon one that works but many people
> will just give it up as a bad idea.

I'm curious as to how recently you've seen these issues.  Installing 
Linux for me has gotten to the point where it 'just works.'  Now, odd 
hardware, such as my MacBook Pro are certainly the exception, but I have 
yet to find a recent install that didn't 'simply work.'  On the other 
hand, I've done my fair share of Windows install recently, and can say 
I've certainly had more issues with that.

> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of
> Geoffrey
> Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 8:26 AM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts - Yes! We run Linux!
> Subject: Re: [ale] Let's Party!
> 
> Richard Bronosky wrote:
>> No, actually, an installfest is quite different. The video
>> specifically tells you to install days in advance. The windows 7
>> launch party is a propagandafest. An installfest is an open and honest
>> introduction to the Linux experience.
> 
> You are correct.  The difference is, Windows needs some advance effort 
> to make sure things go smooth.  Linux installs just work. ;)
> 


-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin