ordinary computer user

[david]

On Sun, 2005-02-27 at 08:56 +0000, Norman Silverstone wrote:
>At last, I have just read a most interesting report relating to the
>needs of us 'ordinary' computer users. These are very much in tune with
>my requirements and cover many items that I have been talking about for
>the last 4 months or so. I suggest a look at
>www.ubuntulinux.org/wiki/WinningTheDesktop and let's have a rational
>discussion on behalf of the 'ordinary' computer user.
>
>Norman
>
>
So, mostly what is required then, is a bunch of "setup wizard" type
things for new users and a "click here to accept responsibility for
installing mp3/dvd/java/" etc thing that then installs all the necessary
plugins. (Even if it were only a bookmark to the site where you can get
the package to do it.)

Have to admit to being slightly confused as to why Mepis and Vector
Linux to name 2, can both offer for free, a Linux distro with ALL these
plugins supplied. (The only real exception being libdvdcss.)

It seems better to say "yes Linux can do it - install this and see"
rather than "yes Linux can do it - install this and lose your
mind/patience trying to get the support sorted out yourself."

I've been using Linux for well over 2 years now and I CANNOT get Java
browser support to work properly on Ubuntu. (I've tried at least three
of the Ubuntu wiki "here's how..." pages after using the method that
worked successfully on Mandrake/RedHat/Fedora/Suse etc

If you want the "ordinary user" to get into or accept Linux/Ubuntu then
all this HAS to be sorted. Whether by providing a "pure Ubuntu" and a
"tainted Ubuntu" or Ubuntu as it is but with some kind of script that
will go and fetch all this stuff and install it and configure it.
Or even a Multimedia Ubuntu and an Office Ubuntu and a Home Ubuntu.
Or at least an Ubuntu with a concise, clear, easy to follow tutorial on
how to set up Synaptic on the desktop.

regards

David