I often see the sentiment expressed that desktop Linux is “too hard” for the average PC user. Yet the qualification for “too hard” is usually that it is too hard to install Linux or too hard to fix problems on Linux for the average user. These arguments seem to completely overlook the fact that an average PC user will never install his own operating system. Also overlooked is the fact that the average PC user will never diagnose and fix her own system. An average PC user is taking a “sick” PC to a local computer repair shop, or to Geek Squad at Best Buy or calling a geek friend to come fix it. An average PC user is buying a PC with an operating system preinstalled and not changing it for something else. Those average PC users would have zero problems using desktop Linux. I have proof.
I am no average computer user. I run a computer consulting and sales business and I steep my brain in computer related news, technical documents and computer trivia on a daily basis. I am the guy that people call on when they do have computer problems or are looking to buy a new PC customized just for them. The fact that I use desktop Linux every day to run my business and for personal use is not remarkable.
On the other hand my friend Chuck is an average computer user. Chuck needs to send and receive e-mail, use Flash based web sites, connect and copy music to his MP3 player, create and print documents, use Instant Messaging to talk to friends and play a few games to pass the time. Chuck does all this on Mandriva Linux and has done so ever since I built him a PC with Mandrake Linux, now known as Mandriva, preinstalled in 2004. When Chuck needs to upgrade Mandriva he calls me and pays me to do it, he does not do it himself. When Chuck has hardware problems he calls me and pays me to fix the PC, he does not do that himself. This is what average PC users do.
Chuck is my average user desktop Linux success story. He has been so for about six years now. Chuck does not want to go back to Microsoft operating systems as he sees no benefit to that. He does see some negatives to going back though. He would have to go back to buying and installing anti-malware software and keeping that up to date. He would have to go back to worrying about malware infections through e-mail or cracked web sites. Certainly if Chuck were using a Microsoft operating system I would do all I could to secure his PC for him. But I could not guarantee Chuck would never get malware “owning” his PC in that case. I am not there to watch over Chuck every time he opens an e-mail or browses web sites. With desktop Linux Chuck and I both know that he does not have to worry about those problems. Chuck is happy to use Linux as an average PC user.
I asked Chuck today, after finishing upgrading his PC to Mandriva 2010, if he considers himself an average PC user. He did not understand the context so I explained what I meant. Chuck agreed that he would never attempt to install his own operating system nor would he attempt to solve problems on his PC himself. He would call an expert for those every time. Just like he calls on an expert when he needs his home sprayed to prevent infestations of termites. Just like he calls on an expert when his SUV needs an oil change, new tires or some repair done. Chuck is very much an average PC user. Yet, Chuck uses desktop Linux on his home PC every day to do the things he needs to do. I asked Chuck if using Linux is hard. The answer? “No”.
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Well I can add to such a story. My Dad uses Linux. He’s is by no means a techogeek. But he kept complaining that he had to take his PC down to the PC repair place every 4 months or so. I converted him when I went to visit. The hardest part was converting the genealogy database for him. But everything else? – email, letters, photos were a snap.
I do all the typical admin functions remotely. Make backup of critical stuff and generally keep it tidy. Much of that now automated with scripts. He has not been back to the PC repair place other than to buy supplies and they say they miss him (or his money.)
If my dad can do linux, anybody can.
Wow, always good to see another technical Linux person gets it when it comes to “the average user”.
Whenever I hear people say things like “average users could never handle Linux”, I scoff… ever seen an “average user” install Windows from scratch?
Yeah, thought so. All the stuff that Linux detractors like to point out about what’s “hard” about Linux are just as true about Windows — and sometimes even more so about Windows. Installation, configuration, drivers, patching, more drivers, MORE patching, then anti-virus, anti-spyware, more patching, flaky problems reading basic hard drive partitions, system restores, starting over from patching.
Ugh. By those measurements, Windows itself has a LONG way to go before it’s ready for the “average user”.
So, well-written, my friend. Sounds like Chuck has a good experience with technology, that is to say, technology that lets him do what he needs to do and it stays out of his way. Even better, it comes at a good price (assuming you’re not gouging him for your services).
I have a similar testimonial I posted on my own blog last fall, about my Aunt Jean.
So I know just where you’re coming from.
- Trent
I 100% agree.
For years I have been trying to convert my wife to PCLinuxOS. She has always required my help with any Windows problems. Finally after her Windows machine got a virus even with a bunch of paid for preventive software, she switched. She didn’t do the install and setup, I did. Any fixes, though few and far between I have done. I had to show her how to install linux software. This is nothing different from when she first started using Windows.
Being very cost conciuos, she is pleased everything is free (I do donate to Texstar regularly).
She’s happy, I’m happy.
You make a good point, one I had never considered before.
Thanks for your column. Best regards to you and Chuck!
All,
This comment on Digg makes a good point. Some people considered “average” users may elect to (re)install their own operating system. The installation of a modern Linux distribution on standard hardware is relatively easy these days. Some non-standard hardware, like certain WiFi chips in some notebooks, may give headaches. But the headaches are all due to manufacturer lack of support for the FOSS development model. Not due to Linux itself. These manufacturers need to either provide working drivers or provide FOSS developers with specifications to build working drivers.
Gene
[...] Desktop Linux: An Average User Success Story ? The ERACC Web Log blog.eracc.com/2010/03/26/desktop-linux-an-average-user-success-story – view page – cached I often see the sentiment expressed that desktop Linux is ?too hard? for the average PC user. Yet the qualification for ?too hard? is usually that it is too hard to install Linux or too hard to fix problems on Linux for the average user. These arguments seem to completely overlook the fact that an average PC user will never install his own operating system. Also overlooked is the fact… Read moreI often see the sentiment expressed that desktop Linux is ?too hard? for the average PC user. Yet the qualification for ?too hard? is usually that it is too hard to install Linux or too hard to fix problems on Linux for the average user. These arguments seem to completely overlook the fact that an average PC user will never install his own operating system. Also overlooked is the fact that the average PC user will never diagnose and fix her own system. An average PC user is taking a ?sick? PC to a local computer repair shop, or to Geek Squad at Best Buy or calling a geek friend to come fix it. View page Filter tweets [...]
[...] Desktop Linux: An Average User Success Story Chuck is my average user desktop Linux success story. He has been so for about six years now. Chuck does not want to go back to Microsoft operating systems as he sees no benefit to that. He does see some negatives to going back though. He would have to go back to buying and installing anti-malware software and keeping that up to date. He would have to go back to worrying about malware infections through e-mail or cracked web sites. Certainly if Chuck were using a Microsoft operating system I would do all I could to secure his PC for him. But I could not guarantee Chuck would never get malware ?owning? his PC in that case. I am not there to watch over Chuck every time he opens an e-mail or browses web sites. With desktop Linux Chuck and I both know that he does not have to worry about those problems. Chuck is happy to use Linux as an average PC user. [...]
I don’t use Windows since 1997, when moved to OS/2 and later to Linux. I was an advanced PC user, but a “zero” when I start with Linux. I never looked back and am very pleased with Linux (Opensuse).
[...] else. Those average PC users would have zero problems using desktop Linux. I have proof." Desktop Linux: An Average User Success Story
Excellent article.
Well written especially for the average PC user.
Clear concise and straight to the point and easy to read without any computerese.
It drives home the point of how the average users can benefit best from their computers. Contrary to running Windows, where they have to pay much money for licenses, applications, and support, they can run Linux with no required licenses, voluntarily purchase support, and donate for applications if they wish and can afford it.
what is more important is that, they will have a much better quality of service, more reliable, better security, and less or no headache.
Isn’t it what computers are supposed to be for the average user! A tool to get things done without drama!
Good job.