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From: Chris Whelan on 11 Nov 2009 04:16
I have always considered that Linux may become more widely used as a
niche OS; my thoughts were more on specialist desktops for children, and
I have set up several machines with some success in this way.

Here is a different take:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8352606.stm

The key to this is going to be community; those struggling at the limits
of understanding of their computers usually turn to their nearest and
dearest, who are unlikely to have any Linux experience. If some of the
knowledgeable folk here and on some of the various distribution forums
were able to help, this could become a success.

Any thoughts?

Chris

--
Remove prejudice to reply.
From: Whiskers on 11 Nov 2009 06:54
On 2009-11-11, Chris Whelan <cawhelan(a)prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
> I have always considered that Linux may become more widely used as a
> niche OS; my thoughts were more on specialist desktops for children, and
> I have set up several machines with some success in this way.
>
> Here is a different take:
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8352606.stm
>
> The key to this is going to be community; those struggling at the limits
> of understanding of their computers usually turn to their nearest and
> dearest, who are unlikely to have any Linux experience. If some of the
> knowledgeable folk here and on some of the various distribution forums
> were able to help, this could become a success.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Chris

Based on Slax, apparently
<http://www.experientia.com/blog/eldy-an-operating-system-for-the-elderly/>.

I think the idea of 'something simple for the old folk' is rather
patronising. When anyone is first introduced to 'computers' what really
matters is that they can get suitable 'support' - which tends to mean that
their 'support' is already familiar with whatever software is in use.

However, this project looks like another small step towards the 'appliance
computer' with a simple interface to basic services, and little or no user
customisation possible and no 'updates' or 'upgrades'. Like a fridge or a
washing-machine. Not that there aren't other simplified user interfaces
for Linux-based systems already.

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~
From: Andy Cap on 11 Nov 2009 07:58
On Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:27 +0000, Whiskers <catwheezel(a)operamail.com> wrote:

>I think the idea of 'something simple for the old folk' is rather
>patronising. When anyone is first introduced to 'computers' what really
>matters is that they can get suitable 'support' - which tends to mean that
>their 'support' is already familiar with whatever software is in use.
>
>However, this project looks like another small step towards the 'appliance
>computer' with a simple interface to basic services, and little or no user
>customisation possible and no 'updates' or 'upgrades'. Like a fridge or a
>washing-machine. Not that there aren't other simplified user interfaces
>for Linux-based systems already.

It's no different to automatic cars. Many people have no interest in the
workings, but just want to get from here to there. Other like maintaining their
own cars. It's just broadening the choice. My wife for example. whilst enjoying
browsing, BUYING and sending the odd email, has no interest in different apps
and upgrades whatsoever and a product like that - loaded by someone else of
course - would be ideal.

Andy C
From: Bernard Peek on 11 Nov 2009 09:06
In message <lhvKm.4$RG.1(a)newsfe20.ams2>, Chris Whelan
<cawhelan(a)prejudicentlworld.com> writes
>I have always considered that Linux may become more widely used as a
>niche OS; my thoughts were more on specialist desktops for children, and
>I have set up several machines with some success in this way.
>
>Here is a different take:
>
>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8352606.stm
>
>The key to this is going to be community; those struggling at the limits
>of understanding of their computers usually turn to their nearest and
>dearest, who are unlikely to have any Linux experience. If some of the
>knowledgeable folk here and on some of the various distribution forums
>were able to help, this could become a success.
>
>Any thoughts?

The product was plugged on BBC's Breakfast programme this morning. I've
tried to search the web for it and there's no trace. The company that
made it "Wessex Computers" has a bare minimum web page. It's clear that
the organisation hasn't the first clue about marketing so I expect the
whole thing to die an ignominious death. Another Linux opportunity
wasted.



--
Bernard Peek
From: Chris on 11 Nov 2009 09:37
Whiskers wrote:

> On 2009-11-11, Chris Whelan <cawhelan(a)prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:
>> I have always considered that Linux may become more widely used as
>> a niche OS; my thoughts were more on specialist desktops for
>> children, and I have set up several machines with some success in
>> this way.
>>
>> Here is a different take:
>>
>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8352606.stm
>>
>> The key to this is going to be community; those struggling at the
>> limits of understanding of their computers usually turn to their
>> nearest and dearest, who are unlikely to have any Linux
>> experience. If some of the knowledgeable folk here and on some of
>> the various distribution forums were able to help, this could
>> become a success.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>>
>> Chris
>
> Based on Slax, apparently
>
<http://www.experientia.com/blog/eldy-an-operating-system-for-the-elderly/>.
>
> I think the idea of 'something simple for the old folk' is rather
> patronising.

I disagree. Some/most old folk really struggle with computers. My
parents are both 70+ and never had to use anything more than a
typewriter in their working lives. Now they have a Vista laptop and
my dad really doesn't 'get it' and my mum is quite happy to fumble
through until something 'works'.

Simplifying a complex application like a PC to predefined tasks would
be very useful. In the first instance, at least.

> When anyone is first introduced to 'computers' what
> really matters is that they can get suitable 'support' - which
> tends to mean that their 'support' is already familiar with
> whatever software is in use.

Agreed. Unfortunately, I live too far away to able to support my
parents in Linux, hence why their Windows capable friends are their
support.

> However, this project looks like another small step towards the
> 'appliance computer' with a simple interface to basic services, and
> little or no user
> customisation possible and no 'updates' or 'upgrades'. Like a
> fridge or a
> washing-machine.

I don't think that's a bad thing, at all. As long as the advanced
functions are still their for those who want it.

> Not that there aren't other simplified user
> interfaces for Linux-based systems already.

Indeed, like the netbooks' Linuces and the moblin UI.

--
The email address is a spam trap. I rarely use it.
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