How proficient is the 'average' computer user?

[Mursilis]

Whenever I've seen these threads about how awful Windows is as an OS, and how much better free OS's like Linux are, I've always thought that nonetheless Windows will continue to command the market so long as Linux, etc., are beyond the proficiency level of the 'average' user. However, my perception of the 'average' user's skill level is based strictly on my own experiences; I've never seen any true research on this issue. Has anyone else? Maybe the majority of Windows users could switch over to another OS without too much trouble?

Thoughts and comments welcome.

 

[Pepsi90919]

I'm very good with linux and freebsd, however Windows as a desktop OS is far superior in terms of usability.

 

[Mikal]

I would say the average computer user knows how to get around on AOL. A little email, a little browsing.... sometimes even saves a bookmark or favorite! (All 29 million of them....)

 

[BigSmooth]

I think the "majority" of Windows Users don't even know how to use Windows Explorer properly (seriously!), so I'm pretty sure they would have trouble using anything less user-friendly than Windows. You gotta think about the fact that many of the people on this board are hardware enthusiasts, and thus are much more likely to be able to use non-Windows operating systems.
But when I look around my workplace and consider some of the questions I have been asked about computers, I can safely say that the majority of people using Windows would not be able to use/switch over to Linux, BeOS, or what have you.

 

[kassy]

Through family and work I have come to the conclusion that it is entirely possible to use a computer for 5 years and still not know that 'the pretty little pictures on the TV screen' are called ICONS.

A friend, who is trying very hard called me up a couple of days ago saying "Kassy, I can't get any sound and I dont know why, I have the motherboard files on the desktop, what else do I need?"

 

[Mikal]

"Motherboard files on the desktop!" LMAO!!!!! Oh, that's rich.

I would be out of business if people really had a clue about what they were doing. I get alot of work that starts out like this: "My son/daughter/father is good with computers and he put a new hard drive in and it won't work....."

 

[Jex]

Yeah, just think... The "average" computer user uses AOL... Think they could use Linux?

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Most users think that mhz is everything. Most users dont even know what on operating system is, they surely dont know that there are other operating systems out there. Im talking about people who will set up 1333MHz boxes with 64Mb of ram instead of geting a 1200MHz with a decent amount of ram. Thjese people know absolutely nothing about how their computers/bios/operating systems work.

 

[Cyberian]

The "average" driver doesn't know what his ignition timing, firing order, camber, caster, or bore and stroke is either and yet they still manage to get to work and to the store just fine.

Try to remember that for many users the computer is an appliance to get work done and not a hobby or a lifestyle.

 

[mackstann]

good point cyberian. but, being the stuck up bastards we are, it's pretty hard not to laugh at some of these people. "can you reboot my internet?"

 

[Electric Amish]

I think that many users could change to Linux and be relatively ok. With the X-Window protocol and a nice window manager like KDE the user should feel relatively right at home.

The "average" user doesn't do a lot of OS installations. I doubt the average user could even install Windows.

amish

 

[kassy]

I dont feel bad, my motherboard file friend has had more than enough laughs at my expense. In fact, my attempts to walk in high heels would rank at the top of her list.

 

[Azraele]

I'd say it depends on how much technology is in any particular area. Around here, people are just now learning Windows. Show them Linux and they'd be lost. The idea is still very foreign to them.

 

[ghostman]

Most people I see only use their computers for word processing and internet. Anything outside of that is new territory, including saving files to other than the defaulted location. Quite a few people here (where I work) believe that Netscape or IE is their email application because it defaults to webmail.

The funny thing is, because they are so unfamiliar with the Windows set up, they can probably migrate to a Linux (X, of course) without a problem. Netscape will still looks like Netscape and Word Perfect is (close enough to) what they normally use. KDE looks very much like the Windows desktop. Or with Gnome with a Windows-like theme. However, I have not been successful in getting anyone to migrate to Linux. Because if things go wrong, their friend and neighbors can't help them...and they'll probably bug me since I told them to use Linux in the first place.