Let this go out for all those faint hearted or still full of doubts about the future of computing ever coming out of a monopoly...(´monosoft´)....I installed Linux on my home PC without any ¨technical help¨...just by downloading the software...and I am using it happily for 6 months now. And now I cannot think of ever using the earlier all pervasive OS, simply because this is so good.

This led my to the next step- linux on my laptop.

While on my PC, I still have the Windows 2000 as a dual boot option that I seldom use, my laptop is LInux-only.

All thru the ¨windows¨ years I was so dependent on my ¨support¨ person, the local assembler for software re-installs also. Now with Linux, I can do everything myself. It is a great feeling.

SO who says Linux is difficult? It may have been five years ago. Now with graphical systems in place and some incredible installers available..it is a breeze.

I say this as a Desktop user. My needs are the common ones..I have some superb applications for those..in every way better than their windows equivalents....For all documents, I use Openoffice.org..for instant messaging I use Gaim..for playing DVD/VCD there is Xine..for audio there is XMMS...and Mozilla Firebird is a terrific browser, way out of the competition.

SO what is left? Yes, I occassionally use a palmtop computer..and it syncs easily with J-pilot.

No doubt now that linux will be the system of choice for desktops also...it is a matter of time. Thanks to the largest collaborative project in human history...creation of the linux operating system.

--- "Shiv Kumaar,91-22-28906693, 9820320927 (mobile)" journoshiv@yahoo.co.in wrote: aaah here's an opportunity for a total newbie to post!!! the first time I tried linux three yrs ago, the comp was so slow, I asked the cybercafe chap to assign me to a Windows machine. last week at the World Social Forum the Debian Knoppix (that's what I saw when the system booted) was sleek though several programs like firebird (i think) didn't work.

also i realize a non-techie shouldn't venture really deep in to the OS since it opens the code!!! maybe the programmers should have multiple options: the version for dummies and the one for techies right at the time of booting.....

as for installing linux, the garden variety of engineers who maintain machines, install pirated sofware, etc in Mumbai refuse to do it.....

shiv kumar

----- Original Message ----- From: "Philip S Tellis" philip.tellis@gmx.net To: "GNU/Linux Users Group, Mumbai, India" linuxers@mm.ilug-bom.org.in Sent: January 29, 2004 5:13 PM Subject: Re: [ILUG-BOM] RE: introducing myself

On Thu, 29 Jan 2004, Parul.Mathur wrote:

...

I just want to know how much easier it has become over the years for a total newbie to accept a GNU/Linux desktop, as opposed to the familiar Microsoft one.

Until PCs come with linux preinstalled, there will always be a barrier to cross. Installation of any operating system is tough. Most windows users have never installed windows in their lives and probably never will.

If faced with a preinstalled, preconfigured linux desktop, I do not think that there would be trouble except for the usual getting used to that has to be done when switching from one system to another. This is true of all systems, not just computers.

I too am interested in knowing what the newbie has to say.

Philip