Is the simplicity argument still valid for mac's?

[MrChad]

I want VLC...

Open Synaptic, and search vlc

There it is! Click install

You also need dependencies x, y, and z, install?

Yes

I now have VLC installed, and it'll update from a central location, as does all my software, even the craptastic Flash. How does it get any easier than that?!

<NonTechUser>WTF is a Synaptic and why should I know to go there to search for an application?</NonTechUser>

 

[Vic Vega]

Linux guys like to type and pretend they're on the bridge of the Enterprise.

Captain Penguin: Shields! Shields! Where are my shields?

Lt. Penguin: That last hit caused the shield module to crash the kernel, Sir, I can't raise them - I'll have to warm boot the system. I am bringing the secondary system online but I'll have to compile a launcher first so I can access the shield module! Damn! Does anyone know the syntax for ifsheildconfig? The manpages on the backup system haven't been installed!

Lt Commander Penguin: Look in /etc/system/majorsystem/primary/command/subcommand/matrix/algorithms/commandset/shields/subsystems/shields/moreshields/help...

Lt. Penguin: I don't have that file and FTP is disabled, I don't have permission!

Lt Commander Penguin: I'm creating an NFS export now. Get your mount ready and I'll have the path for you shortly.

*Ship is hit and destroyed trying to bring the shields up*

**** Meanwhile on the enemy ship *****

General Gates: Another one bites the dust.

Lt. Window: This one click fire control system is really nice.

Ensign Double Click: Yeah, I especially like being able to acquire the target, charge plasma cannons, set a firing solution and fire with just two clicks and no typing!

 

[bignateyk]

I want VLC...

Open Synaptic, and search vlc

There it is! Click install

You also need dependencies x, y, and z, install?

Yes

I now have VLC installed, and it'll update from a central location, as does all my software, even the craptastic Flash. How does it get any easier than that?!

No, especially if a machine is without internet access.

Between permissions, paths, environment variables, trying to do anything beyond the simplest installations can be a complete mess on linux for someone who doesn't know what they are doing. Driver installations, updating libraries, etc..., would be pretty much an insurmountable task for a linux newb.

Linux is by far a more powerful OS than windows or MacOS, but to say that it is easier to use will get you laughed out of just about any room you go in to.

 

[lxskllr]

<NonTechUser>WTF is a Synaptic and why should I know to go there to search for an application?</NonTechUser>

Well, my preference is Synaptic, so I used that example. There's also Software Center, who's name is self explanatory, and even removes some steps from the already easy Synaptic.

 

[MrChad]

I think the main thing with Macs is not just the usability of the operating system, it's everything that goes along with it.

1. Build quality is pretty above-average.
2. You have an entire suite of complementary products that interoperate very seamlessly: Apple TV, Airport, iPod, iPhone, etc. If you stick to an Apple-only ecosystem you tend to have very few issues with compatibility.
3. You have an easily accessible network of retail stores where you can get your product fixed if there's a problem. The only thing even close to this in the PC world is Geek Squad, and the experience / level of service is not the same.

 

[Bateluer]

Hahaha, dream on. Anything you need to do in Linux takes skill. Even performing simple program installs that would take my Grandma 30 seconds on a Mac or Windows box can be frusterating dissasters on Linux for someone who knows alot more about computers than your average user. Between obtaining the right "packages" and getting all the environment variables set properly, etc... Linux isn't newb friendly at all.

Mac App Store = Ubuntu Software Center. Except Ubuntu has better searching filtering than mac App Store, go figure. There's no finding the right packages or setting environment variable. Few clicks and done.

 

[bignateyk]

Mac App Store = Ubuntu Software Center. Except Ubuntu has better searching filtering than mac App Store, go figure. There's no finding the right packages or setting environment variable. Few clicks and done.

Go tell someone who has never used linux to update the Java runtime libraries on a Linux box that isn't connected to the internet. It could take them hours to figure it out.

 

[busydude]

Go tell someone who has never used linux to update the Java runtime libraries on a Linux box that isn't connected to the internet. It could take them hours to figure it out.

Why would a person who never used Linux need Java runtime for Linux?