[wplug] don't waste your time

[Zach Paine]

On Wed, Jan 30, 2002 at 11:21:26AM -0500, Douglas Green wrote:
> I still use linux for my file server (and it's perfect for the job), but
> I reverted to XP on my laptop. Why? It wasn't so much that linux was
> hard to use, or difficult to learn- it's the simple fact that I got
> really REALLY tired of file compatibility problems. In my work there are
> (unfortunately) certain standards that are unavoidable. Often, these
> include some form of Microsoft product. For example, Outlook's calendar
> free/available service for scheduling appointments, or generating
> posters for meetings with Powerpoint (John, I believe you asked about
> posters recently). 

I remember when you installed Linux on your laptop :)  I'm sorry that it
hasn't worked out for you.  I suppose that it is hard to get Linux to
fit in to an win environment.  I should say though, that a lot of
compatibility problems just require a little work.  I am now able to
print to the windows computer downstairs with ease, as well as open Word
and Excel documents.  I believe that the KDE powerpoint equivalent can
open powerpoint documents.  

> Personally, I do not
> view my choice of OS as a time to make my stand against all-that-is-evil
> in the world. After all, we're talking about my JOB and my PRODUCTIVITY
> here. I'll use the tools are compatible and standard. 

I personally try to not to encourage the attitude of "I hate Microsoft..
I know!! I'll teach them a lesson by using Linux!".  I think it leads to
users who just become frustrated.  Microsoft products do frustrate me
very much, and after using Linux I could never go back to a MS os simply
because I see how troublesome it is.  However, I mainly use Linux
because it works the best for me.  I am the most productive in it.  I
*prefer* blackbox or kde over the windows interface anyday.  I much
prefer using LyX for my chem labs over Word.  I would rather check my
mail in mutt or even kmail than in Outlook.  I find xchat to work better
for me than mIRC.  Basically, for most every windows application, I have
grown accustomed to and become much more productive in, the Linux alternative.  Plus Linux is a much more fun toy than Windows :)

> IMHO, save your CDs, mass distro burnings, evangelism, and avoid
> linux-snobbishness like the plague (ie: "do we really want everyone?"-
> of course we do!). Linux has a lot to offer, but also a long way to go
> before it is acceptable for the average end user whose only computer
> exposure has been through MS products. If people learn on linux first, I
> think it will be more accepted. 

Well, I think that mass distro burnings and evangelism are good for
instance when we have DemoDays or when we go to computer shows.  As has
been said, this .Net launch is a gathering of developers who already
know about Linux.  That being said, I still think it would be good to
let those people know about Linux and wplug, but we have to approach it
correctly.  We do want to help everyone who is willing to embark on the
Linux odyssey, but elitism is definitely to be avoided.  I'm not sure if
Linux will ever be acceptable for the average user, but I think it
certainly could benefit a lot of people.

Linux works well for me.  I think it would work well for a whole lot of
people out there who do not even know about it.  I want to help those
individuals discover Linux and become productive using it, whomever they
may be.

	-Zach