[ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu/Linux is still not an OS for the masses - discuss

[Alan Pope]

Hi Melv,

On 13 October 2010 10:28, Melv Bailey <melvbailey at googlemail.com> wrote:
> Sorry if this seems a bit of a rant but there is now another new version
> Of Ubuntu that STILL does not address the fundamentals of running on a
> range of hardware that is fine for Windows.
>

If we're talking about the 'masses' like my mum (never used a computer
before 6 months ago) then I think you're missing one significant
point.

Normal users don't install their operating system. This holds true for
Windows, OSX and Linux.

Windows XP & Vista wont install on my Toshiba laptop, neither will
OSX. Ubuntu does and everything works. But the fact is that it came
with Windows pre-installed with all drivers built in. if computers
came with Ubuntu pre-installed then the whole basis of your argument
is moot, because the drivers would be pre-installed by the supplier.

The fact is though that right now there are few manufacturers making
machines with Ubuntu pre-installed, so people do have to do the
install. However I believe you should be comparing "Oranges and
Oranges". If my mum bought a blank computer and wanted windows, she
wouldn't install it herself, she'd ask a computer expert (me) to do it
for her. Same goes for Ubuntu.

Al.