Odd start up issue

[Liam Proven]

On 11 October 2016 at 18:39, Ralf Mardorf <silver.bullet at zoho.com> wrote:
> You don't need to install Lubuntu, you could install just the
> meta-package.


Ralf, while this is true, I think it is not helpful advice.

Think about the reasoning here:

[1] The OP has built a machine from old parts.

[2] It is a very low-specification system with little RAM and disk.

[3] The drive for the root partition is small and possibly failing, so
replacement and a reinstall might be required.

[4] We are trying to suggest smaller distributions or variants that
will take *less* RAM and *less* disk space.

[5] Therefore suggesting something that will add _more_ software to
the system is directly counter to this goal. It will use _more_ disk
space and leave Unity components in valuable memory, even if it is
only the desktop manager.

[6] Additionally, it is unnecessarily complex.

This is the same thing that you did with the user who had repeatedly
reinstalled  with automatic partitioning and as a result had a tiny
root partition and was running out of space. They were unclear on what
partitions were and how they worked.

I tried to describe the simplest partitioning system I could which
would give them the maximum space.

You came in and suggested a complicated system with multiple primary
partitions *in case* they wanted multiple other operating systems
which they fairly clearly did not. You proposed something very
complicated to cause additional confusion to someone who was already
confused, did not understand what was going on and came asking for
help.

This is not how to do support!

You should offer the *simplest possible solution*.

Remember the KISS Principle:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle

Always try to offer the SIMPLEST answer which is sufficient and
answers the query. Do not propose unnecessary complexity; avoid it at
all costs. As simple and clear as possible while answering the
question is always best.

You consistently offer over-complex answers which while perfectly
correct are long, confusing, and contain unnecessary steps. This is a
problem. It makes the advice on the list more confusing and is likely
to drive people away, rather than helping.

Keep It Simple!

"Simple" is more important than "complete".

Do not try to cover all the possibilities. If someone has a problem
and is asking for help, try to give the simplest, smallest, briefest,
answer that will actually work. That is more helpful than 2 pages of
discussion of alternatives.


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