[oclug]Xandros: [mingp@xandros.com: Re: iso]

[GR Gaudreau]

Michael P. Soulier wrote:
> On 23/10/02 GR Gaudreau did speaketh:
> 
> 
>>[gr]  Mike, why do we have to convert them? Is that what you rhink 
>>Linux is about? I'm not challenging you here, just trying to understand.
> 
> 
>     I'm arrogantly pushing my ideology on others, my good man. :) 

[gr]   Yep, thought so. ;-)

> <speech>
>     We don't _have_ to convert them, unless you're a fanatic and then stay
> away from me. However, I believe part of what this group stands for is trying
> to help the world at large with what we believe are superior solutions for
> computing needs than most if not all commercial entities currently provide. 
<snip>
>     I don't think that converting the masses is necessarily what Linux is
> about. Linux is about choice, IMHO, and freedom. Groups like this one exist
> not only to share information with each other about this wonderful freedom,
> but to advocate that choice and freedom to others, so that those who know
> nothing about it are aware of their options. In the end, if someone chooses
> against Linux, let it at least be an informed choice. 
> </speech>

[gr]  And THERE, for me at least, is the philosophy behind Linux: 
freedom. THIS, I believe, is what "the masses" need to learn about. 
But this freedom isn't worth much to those masses if the only people 
who can successfully run a Linux desktop are Unix Geeks; no offense 
intended.

If the Free Software OpenSource concepts are to make it among the 
masses, then I think there has to be a shift in how desktops work. 
Hacking scripts and config files is not for the masses, it's for 
people who like it and can do it. Linux should keep this aspect. 
However, for the masses it's an impediment. They need the GUI to do that.

Linux, I think, must provide the freedom Geeks want and the freedom 
the masses want. I know, it's a tall order, but I think Linux is up to 
it. Perhaps Xandros, Mandrake, SuSe and maybe Redhat can provide that, 
given time. They've already done much in that direction. I run 
Mandrake and it's really come along in that dept..

If our philosophy is "we don't wnat to 'dumb down' Linux," then forget 
about the masses. But if it's "provide Linux distros which will 
attract the Geeks AND the masses, then maybe we have a chance. BTW, 
Geek is not a dirty word to me. :-)