Re: [OT] : Open Source from the user perspective (was Re: [EE]: opinion on Willem programmer?)

Peter wrote:

> One should not need to be an 'expert user' to use email safely in 2008 ...

I don't live in the "should" world, so I can't really say whether this is
true or not :)  But in the world where I live, one doesn't have to be
(using Linux, Windows, web or other clients) as long as it works -- and
when it breaks, which ever so often happens to non-expert users, an expert
user is required for all of them. You can buy support from expert users if
you're not one.

> ... for the same reason one should not need to be a licensed locksmith to
> be able to enter and leave one's house. That's the point. 

There have been a number of "computer appliances" with fixed software that
work more reliably than a normal computer, at the cost of expandability and
flexibility. But it seems people prefer to buy the computer equivalent of a
"lock kit" instead -- which of course needs some degree of expertise, and
may eventually need a locksmith when you didn't put it together correctly.
I think that's also a point. If people bought cars (or locks :) using the
same approach they use when buying computers, they'd all have to be
mechanics (or locksmiths).

> What you use works for you, there are a lot of people whose 'solution'
> does not work.

My words :) This is universal and independent of any specific solution. 

Gerhard

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