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Thread ID: 68564	2006-05-03 10:07:00	Old (Aug 2005) letter on Web Site	johnd (85)	Press F1

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451719	2006-05-03 10:07:00	This old letter is still on the PCW web site at pcworld.co.nz As a self confessed Linux enthusiast, I think it is about time that it was removed since it seems to be inaccurate to me! Wanting to find a use for my virus-wrecked PC, I wiped Widows and installed Mandrake Linux. I’d always thought Linux would be too hard for me to use, and so it has proved. I’m not interested in command lines, mounting or unmounting; I can’t get the CD drive to autorun, it asks me for commands; and initialising the modem is a no-go area, which I understand is an issue with most Linux distros as nearly all modems have Windows-only drivers. Even all the articles you run detailing Linux applications are really written for those already in the know. I’m afraid that until Linux is as idiot-proof as Windows the uptake will be small, which I find sad because anyone who has used Firefox, Mozilla, Thunderbird or OpenOffice knows there are way better software solutions out there. As nearly all PCs ship with Windows I see nothing that makes Linux attractive given that it is not easy to use. While some readers of PC World will think I’m an idiot, most will either know where I’m coming from or will have decided not to try Linux. Tell me I’m wrong. 1. if you don't want to be, why do you have to be interested in the command line and mounting and unmounting? - most of this is done automatically. 2.Sure modems can be an issue - but mostly it is solvable - best by installing an external serial port one. Annoying perhaps - but a small price to pay for being able to use a great OS! 3. "As idiot proof as Windows" - do we want this? (However if all you want to do is point and click then Linux does this!) MS creates things like the power user to make the PC easier to use, then "idiots" go out on the web with their PC open to the world. 4. "Not easy to use" - then how come you can install it for elderly people and they have no difficulties? PCW - why can't we have some more up to date letters on the web site?	johnd (85)
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