I recently heard of story in which a student blamed linux for the reason why they failed class! The reason being she couldn’t install microsoft office and she couldn’t get her Verizon internet to work on the Linux operating system, called Ubuntu.
#1 Error – Dell
Dell trying to sell an average customer an operating system that requires some computer expertise.
If Dell is going to sell Ubuntu to the average customer they need to configure it all the way or at least provide some documentation to windows alternatives that is on ubuntu. When she gave it a chance and didn’t like it, the Dell representative discouraged her.
“The person I was talking to said Ubuntu was great, college students loved it, it was compatible with everything I needed,” said Schubert.
Sad to say with Linux that is not the case, it is almost compatible with everything you need.
Solution to this problem: They have a Linux alternative to Microsoft Office called OpenOffice. If she still wanted to be determined to use Microsoft Office she could have used wine which allows you to install windows programs in Linux. Also with the verizon software you could probably use wine or a virtual software to set it up but I’m speaking in theory because I’m not sure what verizon gave her.
#2 Error – The User
Now if you are going to choose an operating system as a user you should do some research if you are choosing something that will run alllllllllll of your software on your computer and then move to downplay a popular operating system such as ubuntu.
Solution to this problem: Just do your research before buying products. I guarantee if you do, you will have a beautiful life.
Conclusion
All in all, dell mess up by convincing her to stay with Linux and voiding her warranty if she decided to switch, and for her to not taking the appropriate time to research her operating system. Linux is a beautiful operating system and is making great strides, but its still lacks the strength to fully grab the desktop market from windows. Reason being that I believe it is still hard for the average user to understand the concept and architecture of linux. I also believe linux should have a desktop helper endowed with artifical intelligence to guide users throughout their desktop to help them understand. Hey it’s an idea let me know what you think.
I want the readers to comment to this article and tell me exactly what you think.
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- USE LINUX -
I have installed Linux in some 15 computers of different ages, sizes and brands. Ubuntu, debian, kubuntu, linux mint, knoppix, damn small linux, suse,… They have all worked perfectly well out of the box and connected to the internet from the Live-cd, before installing.
The only issue I’ve had was after installing the light Lubuntu in a very old PC. The sound was not directed automagically to the USB headphones.