Another Naysayer Gets It Half Wrong

I will provide my thoughts on the article with the following:

1. There are only three reasons why one “needs” Windows. Specialized peripherals, Windows gaming, legacy/enterprise required software.
2. Properly setup and managed, it has been proven over and over that countries outside of the US bubble have been using Linux on the desktop in schools, governments and at home for years.
3. The US market disliked the offerings of Linux they were presented due to the sellers doing an AWFUL job across the board. No documentation outlining the differences, lacking clarification as to how software works vs how it works with Windows, the list goes on. The sellers failed, not the platform. Big difference, folks.
4. Most of the early PCs bundled with Linux on were using substandard hardware. Hence, them running SLOWER than XP.
5. When something goes wrong, there rarely a Linux guru in town to call on in most instances. Windows has an army of techs in any town of any size. Do the math.

I will however, agree that there remains a HUGE problem with coordination between hardware manufacturers and Linux distributions. But again, the Linux sellers could have eased this pain as follows.

1. Documentation with a list of working peripherals. Big box stores do not feature hardware with the “compatible with Linux” logo on it even though it does exist elsewhere. It’s not pretty, but it is needed and doable via the existing CUPS and SANE databases. Maybe interacting with a saleman with access to the database? Imagine, people talking to people to match up peripherals - the horror!
2. No one installs their own OS outside of power users/Admins/hobbyists. Buy pre-installed, problem solved.
3. Target an audience that wants it. In marketing speak, it’s called qualifying the customers! Duh! Many people just want to do the basics. Even those who want a bit more  from their computers will find the software they need to make this happen. This does not mean that Linux is right for everyone mind you, my wife is a Mac nut. But I work with regular people everyday that I have switched over. Half of them think it’s a new Windows release - they have no idea. Some of them are using GIMP and designing websites with FoSS software. Yet magically, even with the more advanced needs, they’re quite happy with the experience. Sheer madness I tell you!

Properly managed (I earlier acknowledged this shortcoming)…it’s ready for many segments of people. But pundits are too shortsighted to mention that. Guess it’s not important for them to offer the complete picture?

I do agree however, that Google or someone out there needs to step up to address the stuff above. Sorry, but the South African company behind Ubuntu may do well with development, but their marketing is frankly a bit frightening. I really don’t want to do things with Ubuntu short of running my computer, thanks.