On 13-Dec-07, at 11:11 AM, Bob Beck wrote:
>>> If you like the current way it works, you should be able to continue

quoted text
>>> with this system. But what if my mum, who has low computer skill,

>>> would

>>> like to install a free, functional and secure system? I think the

>>> software should help her to make the most accurate choices.

>>> Because I

>>> think my mum too deserves a reliable operating system. :P

>

> 	I disagree.

>

> 	A complex interface implies a lot of code. a lot of code

> leads to  unreliablity, either through bugs or detracting valuable

> developer time from more important things

>

> 	A simple interface (well designed) imples less code, which leads

> to reliability.

>

> 	Users who can no invest the effort learn enough to use a simple

> interface do not deserve a reliable operating system. They deserve

> windows,

> and they deserve pop up buttong in their browsers that they click

> ok blindly

> for everything.

>

> 	-Bob

>

When I read that, it sounded a lot to me like saying "if you're not a

skilled medical practitioner, you don't deserve decent health care."

Seems to me one of the better aspects of our society is our ability

to allow specialists to provide good services to non-specialists (or

at least those who can afford to pay for it).  So sure, from a

practical standpoint people with above average computer skills are

always going to have better experiences with computers, but that

doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't try to even it out.
Jeremy