Netbooks: the TrekBBS Opinion

[ThunderAeroI]

At target today I noticed an Asus eepc for 300.00. Cant remeber too much about it except for the fact that it is that they are super small.

 

[USS KG5]

I used to think that. Then I realised that unified package management is one of Linux's greatest strengths. Windows-style installers are great for proprietary software; if it's all open, though, then having it all routed through a package manager is much easier. (Here's an example: When you do a fresh install of Windows, how long does it take you to install the two dozen or so programs that you need? In Linux I can do that in about ten minutes by entering one command and then going to get a cup of tea.)

Ahh yes - but because you can do that. You have to remember that most people would be scared just by running a simple ping from the command line, let alone a little mini script to install packages.

To be a mass market desktop OS that genuinely rivals Windows Linux needs to have a simple installer system, essentially all that is actually needed is a program that does what you do with the command line.

That way you have the strengths of the package installer as well as the ease of a Windows installer.

At some point Linux needs to decide whether it wants to stay an enthusiasts OS or aim for the mass market, and it needs the whole community on board. Maybe have two or three linux products - a desktop OS with all the bells and whistles of Windows, a simple server OS, and a SMB OS - and develop these with the whole community behind them.

 

[ThunderAeroI]

I have a "three" 3g dongle for my aspire and a geek for a wife, she got it up and running quickly enough.

Where did you get the Aspire (which model), and where did you get the dongles?

 

[USS KG5]

....and where did you get the dongles?

Thailand, shore leave....

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I'm liking this Aspire One more now that I have Windows installed. Which is a shame, because I'd like to learn more about Linux, but it was just so annoying.

 

[USS KG5]

I'd like to learn more about Linux, but it was just so annoying.

That is a fairly common sentiment, sadly.

I think Linux needs a few more years - its presence on Netbooks is agreat step forward but the complexity curve still kicks in way too early.