[TAG] which distribution?

[Richard Bray]

I think my point is for the computer neophyte that doesn't know a thing about 
command lines. Like my dad. He can install SUSE and configure it without 
calling me much. Because he has already done Windows. Not that I want linux 
to look like Windows. I am just looking for the easiest transition distro for 
those with that experience. So, a gui can matter.

An example would be a member of our local lug. He installed open source 
software on his parent's Windows machine. OpenOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird. 
He got a ton of suport calls from his parents. Then one day he decided to 
rename everything to the name of the Microsoft software. i.e. he named 
Firefox, Internet Explorer. Then the calls stopped. His parents don't have 
any more problems. 

It may seem like a simple thing. But the proof is out there. I understand the 
command line works. I use it myself.

On Tue March 09 2004 08:42, Thomas Adam wrote:
>  --- Richard Bray <linx at brayra.com> wrote:
> > I disagree. The one feature that differentiates the distros for the new
> > user
> > is the control panel like programs to setup the machine. I haven't seen
> > SUSE's most recent version but I hear they finally surpassed Mandrake in
> > ease
> > of configuration post install.
>
> I disagree -- the 'setup' of a machine is actually the same (more or less)
> on each distribution. You are referring to the GUI differences which in
> themselves are built *on-top* of text configuration files. It is *this*
> which is common throughout. What changes is merely the location of these.
> As far as ease is concerned, that is a relative process, since some may
> find one thing more easier than others.
>
> SuSE use YaST (which among other phrases stands for: 'Yet Another Setup
> Tool'). This is both grahical and text-based.
>
> > All the distros seem to be easy to install now. Debian included, if you
> > use
> > something like KNOPPIX to install. It's configuring printers, mice,
>
> Why Knoppix to install Debian? If you're trying to play the command-line
> installers v GUI-installer game. Forget it.
>
> [..snip..]
>
> -- Thomas Adam
>
> =====
> "The Linux Weekend Mechanic" -- http://linuxgazette.net
> "TAG Editor"                 -- http://linuxgazette.net
>
> "<shrug> We'll just save up your sins, Thomas, and punish
> you for all of them at once when you get better. The
> experience will probably kill you. :)"
>
>  -- Benjamin A. Okopnik (Linux Gazette Technical Editor)
>
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Richard A. Bray
linux at brayra.com
http://brayra.com