Paul Jakma wrote:
>> > can't install
> > ICQ(spit!)
>> gnomeicu..
People can't use ICQ as it is, never mind switching the interface -
as it is, most customers don't know how to change to a different
user in ICQ, and anyway, there was a few posts recently on
the unreliability of several linux-based ICQ's.
>> you really need to check out StarOffice:
> word/mail/spreadsheet/browser/kitchen sink. You almost don't need a window
> manager.
>
again it's the familiar interface that people want, then there's powerpoint,
excell, access and (literally) scores of other programs that people are used
to using - they have learnt a way to do things, and are inflexable when
it comes to training themselves to use another program (it's depressing really)
The staff would be constantly helping people cut and paste (I spend enough time
showing people how to do it in windoze to make me sick).
I would say that the majority of customers don't know how to cut
& paste - the man-hours necessary to run a Linux-based internet cafe with
all of the extras that people are used to would be astronomical. (it's
because of all the extras that we have that we are so popular - eg people
can install their own software, do scanning, publishing, photoshop stuff (@
a cost of over 600 squid to us), there's programs like 'freetel' and other
obscure stuff that tourists use a-plenty.
It's micros~1's fault - they have successfully trapped 98% of the public
into their way of doing it - and nowhere is it more visable than here.
Any of you are welcome to spend an hour
in here (come into my universe ;o) to get an indication of the general
state of the populations computer-savvy.....
you will come out with a different view of things, a headache, and probably
be depressed, to boot.
Some people are so stupid (sorry - ignorant) that it's just not funny.
>> perhaps a mix. A couple of linux machines with GNOME/netscape/StarOffice to
> act as dedicated, low-maintenance, 'internet terminals' (TM). And win98
> machines for games/proprietary app running (with attendant Windows
> maintenance nightmares).
>
that is a lot more plausable, but the administration is increased by a fairly
hefty amount, and anyway, we have 4 machines with redhat installed, but
no-one ever asks for them.....even linux people are happy using windoze
telnet to login to a machine somewhere else....those people generally
don't want to do word processing or spread-sheets, or run silly
programs that someone sent them in an email.....
>> the main application will be internet/email. So why not have 1/2 linux
> machines? just for the visibility even.
they would indeed be visible, because there would be no-one sitting in
front of them ;O)
> In fact it'd be a positive move i
> think. Linux is now an accredited buzzword don't forget. I bet it'd draw
> peeps in even.
>
it grieves me to say it, but people just aren't ready....
rob
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