[ale] Let's Party!

[Jeff Lightner]

I suspect it "just works" for you because you understand how to deal
with the minor issues much as it "just works" for me 99% of the time.
For those who are used to it there is nothing to going and editing
xorg.conf (or adding it when Fedora decided not to put it in by default)
to resolve display issues.

As noted in my earlier comments - they were based on the plethora of
newbie posts I see (in places like Linuxquestions.org) that ask the
similar questions over and over related to installs.  For newbies who
have never heard of xorg.conf knowing that they need to edit it (or
create it) in the first place typically takes some effort.  

I wasn't saying Windoze works out of the box for most users - rather
that most users are used to much of what is there so don't feel as
completely lost when they have to deal with a single issue.
Troubleshooting issues associated with what you think you know as
opposed to something you're sure you don't know is quite different.

The problem with many of us who do know Linux/UNIX is we've been doing
it so long we have a tendency to explain the basics because "of course
everyone already knows" them.


-----Original Message-----
From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of
Geoffrey
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 10:00 AM
To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts - Yes! We run Linux!
Subject: Re: [ale] Let's Party!

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
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