I have been rooting for Ubuntu and Linux for years. And every 1-2 years I download it to see if it's finally ready for prime time. I often try to set up a dual boot with Windows, which used to be really easy 5 years ago. Or was it 8? Now? Not so much. It all depends on the roll of the dice.
Alas, Ubuntu, NEVER quite seems to work in a way that will allow me to discard Windows for good. Even the initial set up and hard drive partitioning was filled with bugs and opportunities for disaster, which I found easier to set up--years ago. And my sense is that it will not change--on purpose. Let's admit it; it's not made to be easy-to-use. It's made to differentiate Ubuntu users from other users or from Windows or to take the dreaded Apple smarminess to another realm of condescension, if that were at all possible. But if you're claiming to provide a user-friendly OS, then let the execution match the goal or just go off and focus on server systems and applications.
Whether it's installing peripherals or setting up a screen saver, nothing is ever really that easy, accessible or convenient. Sure I don't mind a little command line from time to time, much less effort; I mean, what do you want for nothing? But don't force me to go back to school and get a degree in computer science just to be able to function half as well as windows, or to install a Bluetooth mouse that works more than 75% of the time. And that's the thing; you have computer science experts that take days to sort through very simple problems. However bad or annoying Windows is, that's almost never the case. It's generally easy to use and everything can be figured out quickly and painlessly (well, maybe not Win 8.1). And therein lies all the difference; the fact that everything in Ubuntu takes forever to sort out, and is almost impossible without spending hours in this or that user forum. It's
Example: I just tried to install Gparted Partition Editor. Should be easy as pie right? Wrong. I got an authentication error that requires I stick my fist up my **** to figure it out. And then I'm told I don't have the privilege of sticking my own fist in my own ****.
Similarly, In attempting to set up a dual boot the other day--which never quite worked and took hours to repair--I came across dozens of technical users who had spent days on the problem. Not hours, which is bad enough, but DAYS. And if it's not a simple dual boot it's installing peripherals. If it's not that, it's something else. Like, above, just installing something they say can be installed. And again, keep in mind that this is coming from a semi-technical person who WANTS to use it and like it and never use Windows again. And it's the reason why, after more than ten years of trying, I can't. I just don't have the time or energy.
Sure folks, I may be missing the point; it may be that this IS the way it's supposed to be to weed out non-technical troglodytes like myself (sneer); or because it's almost as fun as slamming your **** in the door; or because there are obvious limitations in terms of human or financial capital to work on an open source solution. But it is also the case, or might be the case, that a little more targeted effort at user-ability and adaptability could finally get Ubuntu into more regular use.
Thanks for listening.
J
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Originally Posted by jabeles
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