Re: SEUL: Re: Proposal for using a single mailing list [was Re: Oneend-user distribution?]

[Dennis Leeuw <adl@casema.net>]

Donovan Rebbechi wrote:

> On Sat, 10 Apr 1999, Michel Stam wrote:
>
> > Well, from a user-point of view, I don't think that the console would do much good
> > trying to convert people to Linux.
>
> I don't see how a curses based install would slow the adoption of linux
> provided that it works. The people who start a curses installation will
> not stop midway just because it doesn't use VGA mode. And they will not
> run away from linux if the installation goes flawlessly.

Now you are talking about the once that already decided to install linux. My major concern
is people who still think Windows is it. Those people will use every stick they get their
hands on to hit you. And the more reasons you take a way from them to judge on Linux the
more they are becoming the lonely one shouting in the dessert. (And in my opinion that is
where those people belong.)


> > Well, actually, most window managers have a ppp-config program (KDE surely has it,
> > GNOME has it for instance). I see those programs scrolling by on Freshmeat sometimes,
>
> yep. But it doesn't run as part of the install. The user has to poke
> around and find the program before they can start to setup ppp. Don't you
> think it would be better if they were prompted ?

No. If I am an office users with a LAN or just a home user, with no internet connection
what so ever, I don't want to be bothered by stupid questions. We are not M$. Don't start
thinking for the user. Don't say to him you need PPP. M$ does that. It even decides that
when you spell a word incorrect that is corrects it for you. No no no. That doesn't seem
to be a good idea. Make a clear sheet on which you explain how to configure PPP. Don't do
it at install time. OR you should ask at install time a simple question like:
Are you:
A. connected to a LAN
B. using a modem to connect to the Internet
C. using a cable modem to connect to the Internet
D. not connected to anything at all.

But, what are you gonna do for the ham-radio users?

You get my point. There are so many different users, that you have to try to be as generic
as possible.

Atleast that is my opinion.

Dennis