On Sun, Jun 14, 1998 at 03:53:59AM -0500, Manoj Srivastava wrote: > Hi, > >>"Marcus" == Marcus Brinkmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > > Marcus> Problem is, you'll never be able to convince a DOS user of a > Marcus> text editor with different modes. Sorry, I don't think a dumb > Marcus> newbie should be able to install a workstation, but he should > Marcus> be able to install the base system and play with Gnome apps. > > Firstly, even the base system requires either a certain degree > of proficiency, or the will and ability to learn, in order to do > basic adminstration.
Yes, and then it is probably wise to make the learning curve not too steep , or the frustration will overrule the learning fun. I think there is a difference between the cookie cutter approach and the simple question, if we should ship the rescue system with an editor you can or can't use without a manual. ae has the simple advantage, that it can be used by everyone without a manual. <QUOTE> Let's look at a typical novice's session with the mighty ed: golem> ed ? help ? ? ? quit ? exit ? bye ? hello? ? eat flaming death ? ^C ? ^C ? ^D ? </QUOTE> > You want them to play with Gnome? They can't handle vi, and > they can setup X and actually use apps (which again generally have to > be configured to do anything real -- like email and give access to > the web) Yes, this is possible. > Absolute novices unwilling to learn should be lead gently to > the nearest windows box. Oh well, you are right. Maybe this will change in the future, when even novices want to use the power apps of Linux (not yet, I have to admit). Then it is probably not wise to rule them out right from the very beginning. (I'm ignoring the "unwilling to learn" here for a moment). > Marcus> It is only wise to use the simplest editor that is available, > Marcus> not the one with the most features (well, *best* solution > Marcus> would be to have *both*, agreed). > > Most features? *VI*? or you mean XEmacs? Since when has vi > been an editor with features? ;-) I eant editors, not coffe machines :) Marcus -- "Rhubarb is no Egyptian god." Debian GNU/Linux finger brinkmd@ Marcus Brinkmann http://www.debian.org master.debian.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] for public PGP Key http://homepage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Marcus.Brinkmann/ PGP Key ID 36E7CD09 -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
