Re: Novices vs. Experts [was: Re: tlug: PPP for Dummies :-)]

[Jonathan Byrne - 3Web <jq@example.com>]

On Wed, 3 Jun 1998, Manuel Chakravarty wrote:

> or use Emacs in batch mode.  Emacs is, I think, quite easy
> to use and a hacker tool at the same time.  This is what I
> hope Linux can also become.

I agree completely.  Linux is highly configurable, but you have to really
know where to find the config files and exactly what to do with them.
This is fine for a hacker OS, but will never be considered acceptable for
a mainstream business and enterprise OS.  Easy-to-use tools that provide
graphical front ends such as TurboDesk (and they are doing text-mode
versions of those tools for TurboLinux 2.0, so that people not running X
still get these benefits) to configure the system through selecting
options from menus and checklists are a very necessary bridge for Linux to
advance into the mainstream.  The best thing about these tools is that
they do nothing to interfere with hacking all the files by hand for people
who want to do it that way.

Given an easy entry, many people who try Linux will go on to become fairly
knowledgeable about it, and about their computer in general.  Far more
than if they had stuck to a more insulative OS. Without those soft
landing tools, many people might become discouraged and abandon Linux, and
that would be a shame.  PC Unix really has a lot to offer that they would
miss out on.

And if people choose to become no more knowledgeable than they need to be
to get along on a daily basis, that's OK too.  One of the attractions for
many current Linux users is the freedom it gives them, and indeed, freedom
is a central pillar of the entire Open Source movement.  People who want
to be free to learn no more than they absolutely must to get along should
also be free to do so.  After all, consultants have to earn a living
somewhow too ;-)

Cheers,

Jonathan Byrne
Media and Content Section
3Web - Your Internet Solution! <URL:http://www.threeweb.ad.jp/index.en.html>

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