[nzlug] Dell are sooo pwn3d

[Denise Bates]

yuri wrote:

> I didn't start this sub-thread (tangent) to evangelise Ubuntu.
> Personally I use Gentoo.
> I mentioned Ubuntu as a good starting point for hardware vendors and
> ISPs to support because it seems to be the distro that linux newbies
> currently start out on, and vendors say they don't want to support all
> the different linux configurations so I say why not pick one of the
> more common flavours and at least support that.

While Ubuntu is a distro which many newbies initially experiment 
with (because the CDs are given away freely) the people that I 
come across aren't happy with Ubuntu as a potential replacement 
for their Windows installation. No doubt there are even more 
people who have tried Ubuntu, gave up, and won't go near _any_ 
Linux distro in the near future.

If we think that increasing the usage of Linux is a good thing, 
then a potential Windows replacement should have at least the 
following characteristics:
1. It should be more stable than Windows (not a difficult feat for 
any distro)
2. It should make current Windows users feel at home as soon as 
possible,
3. It should be as representative of "orthodox" Linux as possible.

In my opinion, Ubuntu fails to meet criteria #2 and #3. Gnome just 
doesn't cut the mustard as a Windows replacement, either in 
appearance or in functionality. Any distro (including Kubuntu) 
which offers KDE would meet criterion #2.

Quite apart from the shortcomings of Ubuntu, the promotion of 
Ubuntu as the "generic" version of Linux is dangerous. It seems 
almost immoral to suggest future development of an operating 
system which has been built on the efforts of volunteers be 
constrained to suit the requirements of a few multi-national 
hardware vendors. Shouldn't be the other way around? If the use of 
Linux does become more widespread, won't those same multi-national 
hardware vendors be forced to assist open-source development of 
drivers for their products?

One size doesn't fit all. I would hate to see such talented (if 
somewhat eccentric) developers, such as Patrick Volkerding or Theo 
der Raat give up their good work in frustration.

regards,
*********************************************
Dr Denise J. Bates,
PO Box 50,
Meremere 2441
New Zealand
E-mail: dbates at iconz.co.nz
Telephone 09-2336433
Mobile 021-2541330
*********************************************