Linux: Usability Projects?

Post #16,629 by slugbug 11/5/01 2:06:17 PM Reply	Linux: Usability Projects? Is anyone here aware of any HCI projects underway for Linux? I'm interested in examining any 'usability' efforts that might be going on. Ideas? -Slugbug
Post #16,639 by pwhysall 11/5/01 2:53:07 PM Reply	Sun did one On GNOME. [link\|http://developer.gnome.org/projects/gup/ut1_report/report_main.html\|Click here]. Peter Shill For Hire [link\|http://www.kuro5hin.org\|There is no K5 Cabal]
Post #16,721 by acagle 11/5/01 5:59:14 PM Reply	Re: Linux: Usability Projects? Boy, I tell ya, some of the stuff they showed in that GNOME review had ME confused. I'm not entirely sure how much of the confusion on the participants' part resulted from their familiarity with Windows or Macs, but. . .it seemed to me that Linux has a HELL of a long way to go before it can even begin to compete on the desktop. It seemed to me like a lot of the stuff that caused confusion were things that *nix geeks cared highly about, but 99% of the rest of potential users wouldn't give a rip about (e.g., vi or EMACS. Fuck, just give 'em something called "TextEdit" and forget about it). I'm getting RedHat 7.2 in a day or so. I'm sure I will be pelting you with questions soon. . . .
Post #16,730 by slugbug 11/5/01 6:27:04 PM Reply	Even terminology... The truth is that the majority of users don't want to 'learn' their OS. My unscientific survey of some new users showed them asking questions like: how do I install applications? where do I get anti-virus software? how can I create spreadsheets and can I save them in Excel format? Terminology like 'packages' is very foreign to the average user. I was really wondering if anyone in the community was actively doing anything about usability (aside from the GNOME survey).... I have been playing with RH 7.2 and SuSE 7.3 lately. I must say that SuSE is starting to really get a handle on usability....very nice release! As we are nearing the end of the cycle for desktop PCs, perhaps it is better that Open Source efforts flow into the embedded space (which they are). This is the future.... Now, if only I could order one of those IMT 2000 Web phones....
Post #16,762 by boxley 11/5/01 9:39:32 PM Reply	linux usability is at the state of dos 5.0 or win 3.1 it takes a knowledgable person to setup the apps so a click of the button or menu choice launches an app that the user then can drive. It will take a savvy company to do what gateway used to. Bundle a box with everything set up and ready to run. An IT dept can do the same thing. thanx, bill tshirt front "born to die before I get old" thshirt back "fscked another one didnja?"

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