[LUNI] Re: luni Digest, Vol 59, Issue 6

[Robert Smith]

Because there was more compelling reason to answer the OP's question than to just troll with sarcastic comments!
   
  This is a discussion group (as far as I am aware), and a legitimate question had been asked, and so it was answered. If such trivial banter annoys, there is another list where only announcements are posted.
   
  A couple of evenings ago, I spent three hours at my local LUG (with seven other people), brainstorming on how to increase attendance at local LUG meetings. One of the possible solutions mentioned was to promote Linux as an alternative, on the desktop, to the giant from Redmond, and then get these "noobs" coming to our meetings to learn more about the OS and how it could make them more productive.
   
  During the time that I have been associated with this group, I have seen several comments like the one below. It is a shame that as some work trying to expand Linux use beyond its current base, that others would work to chase away new converts with elitist comments as that to which I am directing this answer.
   
  When I originally signed up for this list, I saw nothing in the way of requirements other than a desire to discuss the Linux operating system and how to use it to its best advantage. To the best of my knowledge, there was nothing stating that one had to be a Linux admin/programmer with twenty-plus years of *NIX experience and a master's degree in computer science.
   
  As the Linux desktop user base grows (if it is to grow), you are going to see many more folks who only want to be able to use Linux to accomplish there work/play. One possible topic for discussion among this group may be the impact of this to the group. Does this group want to remain as the Linux Users of Northern Illinois, or does it want to evolve into the Linux Elitists of Northern Illinois? If it desires the former, then a much more tolerant attitude for noob-like questions would probably go a long way towards expanding the base.
   
  I don't know if every one reading this saw the recent news that the Mac operating system has reached an all-time high of 7% use among Internet client users. Linux was below 0.5% (I believe) in the same article. One thing I have come to notice is the friendliness of the Mac community. They are actually quite inviting. At times, the same could not be said of the Linux community. That is a surefire way to obscurity. I constantly hear folks complaining why don't more hardware vendors port drivers to Linux. Of course, the figures shown above answer that question. If the Linux community wants more recognition from hardware vendors it must grow beyond its current base of users, particularly on the desktop (there isn't too great a call for server WiFi drivers). The community of computer users (of any OS) that are also CIS majors is relatively small today. If Linux is to grow, it will be thanks to adoption by a large number of folks who are not either programmers, engineers, or
 otherwise *NIX savvy. Some of those folks are going to find there way to this list. I guess the question is, will they be welcomed or shunned?
   
  Rob Smith
  

Stephan V Bechtolsheim <svbechtolsheim at yahoo.com> wrote:
  Why discuss something that takes 30 minutes? By the time the original poster had asked the question, he could have installed XP and made sure it works before going on to greater and better things.

StvB

----- Original Message ----
> From: Robert Smith 
> To: Linux Users Of Northern Illinois - Technical Discussion 
> Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2008 6:22:06 PM
> Subject: Re: [LUNI] Re: luni Digest, Vol 59, Issue 6
> 
> 
> --- Richard Reina wrote:
> 
> > According to the latest Microcenter add, their $379
> > laptop has Intel 
> > video (which currently has the best Linux driver
> > support) and InviLink 



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