Linux Distro to Newbies: Adapt or Leave!: Page 2

Do you see the pattern here yet? Major Linux distros are asking new users to support non-supported hardware, lock themselves into using techniques for software installation that only work with distros similar to theirs. Thses distros ask users to potentially hose their X settings by doing something that for many people might be completely unneeded, depending on the peripherals they use.

Appealing to the masses by appeasing their backward mindset.

If the desire for more new users is the idea behind stronger Linux adoption, then the way we go about it needs to change.

The fact is, new users come to the Linux platform in dire need of a reality check. Many of them come aboard expecting all of their built-for-Windows equipment to work as it always had, but this time with a new operating system.

This is complete nonsense. I would like to see Linux distribution documentation designed to heavily embrace supported products with links as to where to buy them. And with so many new users wishing to adapt – as experienced users are often telling new users they need to – there really should be no problem at all making this happen.

Other areas that need to see greater adoption from the perspective of the distro maintainer include:

• Providing immediate access to ready-to-work hardware both from the Linux distribution's website and even in the documentation provided by the distribution's creator from day one. Again, this means linking to places of purchase.

• Finding a way to bring home the best of each of the top desktop environments. GNOME, KDE and others each have their strengths. Now let's concentrate on finding a way to bring concepts like the Portland Project to fruition. Despite being aimed at developers, I believe this project will one day be a real benefit to end-users as well.

And then, have software. Honestly, if projects such as Adobe Air continue to progress forward, I see a number of otherwise proprietary-OS-only applications being doable for Linux users, thanks to the work put forth by Adobe.

Like Flash for video, Air provides the user with the ability to develop and use applications that are truly cross platform without the need for extra toolkits when branching into non-Linux desktop environments.

Adapt or forget it, say advanced Linux users? Perhaps, but it seems that it will be the distribution maintainers needing to adapt if they wish to see any shot at a sustainable business model from a desktop distribution.

In the end, tackling the challenges outlined above serves both new and experienced users alike. This in turn translates into a stronger market share. Considering the shaky world economy these days, there is something to be said about providing as much ammunition to the Linux movement as possible. And these days, satisfied new Linux users is that ammunition.