Re: Something is very wrong with this group
Hi,
Pardon me for a second follow up on this message, but I did
not cover my points sufficiently in the previous message.
>>"bruce" == bruce <bruce@va.debian.org> writes:
bruce> Can you encompass the idea that someone might want to just
bruce> process words and doesn't have the slightest interest in
bruce> learning about the computer, and that such a someone might be a
bruce> worthwhile user? We are getting close to having the software
bruce> necessary to accomodate such a person. We are putting up paid
bruce> support so you can feel better about answering what you think
bruce> are stupid questions. We don't have to cater exclusively to
bruce> wizards or even the particularly smart.
When I started learning UNIX, there was a wise sysadmin
around, who made sure we dd not mess up the system for all
concerned. Also, my powers were limited while I learned the system,
since I was not root.
That is not the case now. The installer is foten the
sysadmin, and maybe the sole user. Yesterday, on IRC, a UNIX sysadmin
came and saked us about MTA installation. And then he plaintively
asked "Does any one know the command to change the location of files
and directories in Debian?". That scared me.
Do we care so little about the data of ovices we are willing
to make the statement: UNIX is easy to run and trubleshoot?
[biased, extremeist examples follow: do not read if arguing
from extremes irritates you. Does make a point]
Should we really be doing this at all? UNIX is a tool.(look at
my other mail message about the distinction between tools and
appliances). I would no more do this than take a neophyte, hand him a
chainsaw, and point him to the 12 foot dia douglas fir next to his
house, even if I made starting the chainsaw very easy. Without
knowing how to use the tool, the user is likely to injure himself,
or, bring the tree crashing down on his house.
Should we consider reducing the weight of handguns, reducing
trigger pressures so a 5 year old can use it, and strt passing
them around in kindergardens?
manoj
who thinks people should really learn to use the tools they use ;-)
--
"Remember Kruschev: he tried to do too many things too fast, and he
was removed in disgrace. If Gorbachev tries to destroy the system or
make too many fundamental changes to it, I believe the system will
get rid of him. I am not a political scientist, but I understand the
system very well. I believe he will have a "heart attack" or retire
or be removed. He is up against a brick wall. If you think they
will change everything and become a free, open society, forget it!"
Victor Belenko, MiG-25 fighter pilot who defected in 1976 "Defense
Electronics", Vol 20, No. 6, pg. 110
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@acm.org> <http://www.datasync.com/%7Esrivasta/>
Key C7261095 fingerprint = CB D9 F4 12 68 07 E4 05 CC 2D 27 12 1D F5 E8 6E
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