eh *sweat* I didn't realise I was rambling so much.
It seems that whenever I try to get my Ubuntu install to do something it doesn't already do, it breaks something else worse. The thought of trying to help my parents with a Linux computer is quite terrifying, and I don't understand why you want to put anyone through that pain.
It's not the technologically ILLITERATE i'm trying to save, but those yet to be, children being weaned on desktops and youtube, young people who live on the pages of wikipedia, understand their OS and try to change it. For the future is theirs, and we hold it in our hands.
Yes, Linux has faults, but that's because most hardware is optimised for (e.g.)Windows and there is no real standard.
Linux has to get all that shit to work without infringing software copyrights, such as drivers, on devices which were never intended for that use.
Quite impressive, actually.
P.S. If there were support for Linux, more hardware would be optimised for it, and there would be better standards instead of "guess the hardware" that linux currently does.
And I'm not trying to call apple/windows evil....
But, please, correct if i'm wrong at all here.
Apple:
-Uses specific software (iTunes) to interface with device. Literally cannot use any other software to do this. Have any kind of problem with this software? tough luck, because that's the only way.
Any other way is expressly forbidden, disallowed or disabled. There is no other option. Creepy.
-Uses specific builds of computers, tablets etc. Makes and sells specific chargers, cables, headphones. Prices are higher than industry standards and equivalents. Does not provide extra function per cost, it's just markup (read: profit)
-Does not allow you to install custom data, or modify software contents. Requires "jailbreaking" etc. Poor software compatibility for 3rd party developers (for example). Restricts content too.
-Want apps? Better get used to the apps developed solely for this platform! Open-source? What's that? If it's not Apple, it's not available.
-Bought any apps? Your next device better be an iPhone or iPad! There's no choice. Just more Apple products. If not, you lose your data and purchased apps. Tough titty pal.
-Broke your headphones? Lost your charger? Looks like you'll have to buy another Apple
TM product at an inflated price! That, or a knockoff, which admittedly is not a bad option, and probably preferable.
MOST IMPORTANTLY-Want to use something other than Apple products? Goodbye countless expensive chargers, headphones, time spent learning the software, library of exclusive apps, etc. because that's all USELESS WITHOUT MORE APPLE PRODUCTS.
-The more you buy, the more invested you are. The more invested you are, the more you buy. It's SICK, quite frankly, and there's no way out, except to stop supporting the companies that use these tactics.
Windows is more of the same, but more "friendly" and less "aggressive".
It's basically been around so long that people don't know what else exists, and are just too dang comfortable, familiar etc. to change.
@Miauw62
I know, I sound quite dumb saying
"you'll be lucky if it works" but what it really means is this:
"you'll be lucky if it works, because that kind of information/power is not normally in the hands of users"in this case meaning: your computing experience is down to luck/other people rather than your own skill, expertise or ability.
Your knowledge of the software won't help much, unless you know how to hack the mainframe from clicking the GUI.
I didn't mean "it doesn't work"
I meant
"if it does/doesn't work, it's probably nothing to do with you"Why is linux better than "luck"? because
"with sufficient skill, determination, effort, coding, knowledge etc. you can possibly change it" (not "luck")
I realise I wasn't very clear.
HERE, HAVE AN UPDATE VERSION! NOW WITH 50% MORE CONTROVERSY AND PAINFUL TRUTH!
WINDOWS
A computer. The world needs computers.
LINUX
A way to use computers. The world needs ways to use computers.
WINDOWS
You'll be fortunate if everything is in working order, because you're not allowed to tamper with it.
LINUX
If it's not in working order, you can fix it because it's in the power of users to fix! We can modify anything!
MAC
An accessory for a lifestyle. Supported by a complement of products.
LINUX
A way of creating a lifestyle. Can be installed/modified for a range of products.
MAC
If it works, you'll be sorry, because now you're locked into using our software!
LINUX
If it doesn't work, don't worry, because there are loads of free source alternatives and you're free to choose!