-Ubuntu documentation is so much better then it used to be, I don't think it is lacking in terms of the casual user. -I am not having trouble searching for documentation. -These usability tests are nice but not quite applicable to the concerns I have. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been writing to this list because I want to help. The last think I want to do is hurt anyones feeling or discourage anyone but I have some constructive criticism. I love Ubuntu and I can use it quite well now but here again are some experiences and thoughts. I had a lot of trouble configuring services in the past, in particular my first one vsftpd, was hard as it was my first manual edit of a configuration file. I can now edit all kinds of these files. It's easy once you do one, an 8 year old could do this. The problem is it's not obvious to the first time user. I could carry out usability studies with friends and family but really I don't think anyone is ready to set up an nfs, ftp or samba server in the first 10-20 hours. A usability study beyond a few hours is not practical for family and friends. Here is the thing and I don't mean to be rude but what is it that Ubuntu is expected to be used for. Emailing and surfing the net? writing text documents? If this is all someone wants why would they take the time to learn Ubuntu. Learning a new OS is really time consuming. We are not just competing with Vista but with every Windows version from let's say Windows 98 onwards. Ubuntu is free but if someone wants to set up a new computer then they are very likely to be able to get a hold of an old Windows version, legal or not for free too. With Windows 98 you could still set up thunderbird, firefox, gimp, blender, open office, etc etc. Why bother with Ubuntu if you just want some basic stuff. You will likely have family members who can help you with Windows problems, you probably have experience with it somewhere else and you are less likely to run into hardware problems and filetype problems like flash. When the world of the online desktop arrives these programs will become even more irrelevant. If this is the market we are chasing then this is a big problem. The thing is Ubuntu is so much more then a way to surf the net and answer emails. Comparing Windows to Ubuntu is like comparing a glossy pamphlet to an encyclopedia with the front cover torn off. Ubuntu has content but it is not easy to find. There is enormous power in it. Ubuntu has saved my business lots of money and opened up all kinds of doors for me. It is perfect for business. We should be putting forth what Ubuntu can do that Windows cannot. It is the ability to set up so many services and customize so many things that makes it amazing. Most of this still needs to be done at the terminal though. People need to be able to use it's rich set of features without so much suffering. All of my suggestions seem to be rebuffed and the general feedback I am getting is that everything is already the way it needs to be. When I said useability studies what I should have said was useability studies for system administrators and power users, not Moms, Dads and Sisters who want to surf the web and write emails. Command power and "customizability" is our best foot, it is not being put forward. My writings don't seem to be of any help, I have a patent in the works, if things work out I will contribute financially instead-patrick Matthew Paul Thomas wrote: > On Nov 20, 2007, at 2:19 AM, Patrick wrote: >> ... >> It would be much better if the "configure" option would take care of >> this and perhaps the "help and support" area search results provided >> specific links to useful Ubuntu specific online information. >> >> I am disappointed that my efforts have come to nothing. >> ... > > If Ubuntu-specific help is lacking, you can get involved with the > Ubuntu Documentation Team in writing it. <http://doc.ubuntu.com/> > > If the help is present but is not being found in a search, please > report that as a bug. <https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/yelp/+bugs> > >> I would recommend more useablility studies to determine whether the >> present set up is actually being found and utilized. >> ... > > That's another way you can help: carry out user testing. > <https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UsabilityTesting> > > Cheers -- Ubuntu-devel-discuss mailing list Ubuntu-devel-discuss@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-devel-discuss
