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Tamahere resident and Miss Universe contendor Ella Morgan is busting the stereotypes around the page…
A Hamilton-based company has received recognition for designing a suborbital space rocket. Kiwi Orb…
Some of you may have heard of this thing called “linux”, and that it’s more stable, less draining to your computer and generally more secure and better to use than Windows. All of those things are true to an extent, but it has a heavy downside as well. Asides from the issue of unfamiliarity … View moreSome of you may have heard of this thing called “linux”, and that it’s more stable, less draining to your computer and generally more secure and better to use than Windows. All of those things are true to an extent, but it has a heavy downside as well. Asides from the issue of unfamiliarity (which is a bigger issue than most computer experts like to admit), you have to be an advanced user just to install it, and to sort out problems? (and there will be problems) That’s another issue again.
In my years as a computer scientist (yes, that's an actual thing) I've never quite seen a level of general angst which is similar to that present within the Linux community. In no small way I believe this stems from its founder, Linus Torvalds, and his aversion to anything resembling sane-and-sensible confrontation. He tends to invoke shame and anger in his correspondents in equal measure, leading many to leave Linux development altogether as they fail to see the benefit of being insulted or condescended to, in exchange for their offerings of help.
This attitude is often reflected in Linux development groups across the globe, and in support communities – the idea that it doesn’t matter how you deliver the message so long as that message is correct. Recently I asked a general question about a type of software in Linux, on a forum that wasn't specifically for Linux. Several forum members responded with outright hostility, as if I'd dared to criticise their favourite thing. This was their misinterpretation; I was just asking for information. God help the innocent user that stumbles blindly into a support forum to ask a "stupid question" like "why isn't my internet working?".
And this is the principle reason I don't recommend Linux, of any sort, for non-advanced desktop or laptop users. Don't get me wrong; I'm no Microsoft or Apple fan. I dislike each, but for different reasons. The real problem with Linux isn't the software, but its userbase and culture. There are as many flavours of Linux as there are colours in the world; but they all have, to varying degrees, the same problem of community and support. And at some point, you are going to need support, and a community to advise you how to proceed or make recommendations to you.
The second reason I don't recommend Linux comes down to usage statistics. Microsoft Windows may chew through system resources for no good reason, but when you have a problem, you can bet that somewhere, someone online has had that problem too. About 82% of all desktop/laptop computers worldwide run Windows, and this makes it easier to find solutions. By contrast, if you’ve had an issue with Linux with it’s 1.45% market share, chances are you may be the only person who's ever had that problem. Even if you're not, applying the solution will require expertise and knowledge beyond that of the average desktop user.
Apple has roughly 12% market share on the desktop, but also their support system is significantly better, in part because there is no variance in hardware between apple computers like there is with PCs. So again, it can be easier to find a solution. I should note that I personally use Linux for programming and don't have a problem with it. My personal favourite flavour of Linux is Xubuntu, a no-nonsense distribution readily understood by newcomers as well as being quite quick. But as long as the Linus Torvalds of the world are in charge, I am unlikely to recommend it to anyone. Well, not if I like them.
- Matt Bentley is a computer repair guy with Waikato Home PC Support.
Email info@homepcsupport.co.nz or phone 0211348576.
Mama goat is of medium size, has no horns and enjoys a daily treat of fruit scraps, carrot sticks or bread crusts. She will quickly clear long grass or weeds for you. She comes with a collar and chain and a sturdy A-frame house. In the photo, I think she is laughing about the branch tangled in her … View moreMama goat is of medium size, has no horns and enjoys a daily treat of fruit scraps, carrot sticks or bread crusts. She will quickly clear long grass or weeds for you. She comes with a collar and chain and a sturdy A-frame house. In the photo, I think she is laughing about the branch tangled in her chain.
St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton has pioneered a new secondary school qualification in agribusiness,…
As the temperature drops more of us our reaching for our trusty hot water bottles to stay toasty, but at what risk?
Hundreds of people are reporting hot water bottle burns every year and it's getting worse, especially among children. For the latest hot water bottle safety tips, click here.
Study one of our Certificate qualifications and you’ll be able to pathway straight into higher levels of study after graduating, with an introductory knowledge of your subject.
You’ll have access to all our purpose-built facilities and a team of expert tutors behind you, giving you that … View moreStudy one of our Certificate qualifications and you’ll be able to pathway straight into higher levels of study after graduating, with an introductory knowledge of your subject.
You’ll have access to all our purpose-built facilities and a team of expert tutors behind you, giving you that extra push to get you where you’ve always wanted to be.
It’s that time of the week again! Get your team together and come down for some fun! Free entry and good prizes!
Waikato’s premier winter event is back. Be transported to a snowflake wonderland for a fabulous night of glamour and sophistication at the LJ Hooker Cancer Society Ball on 21 July, all to raise funds for a great local cause. Details and tickets on Eventfinda: www.eventfinda.co.nz...
Te Awamutu College is the venue for Mid Island cat Clubs show.
Saturday 26 May We open to the public about 10am until about 4pm.
Come and see many different breeds and watch the judges.
Small entry fee- adults $5.00.Family ( 4) $10. children( under 12 )and senior citizens $2.00. Under five … View moreTe Awamutu College is the venue for Mid Island cat Clubs show.
Saturday 26 May We open to the public about 10am until about 4pm.
Come and see many different breeds and watch the judges.
Small entry fee- adults $5.00.Family ( 4) $10. children( under 12 )and senior citizens $2.00. Under five Free.Please be aware that young children need to be closely supervised.
*** UPDATE *** Thanks to everyone who's voted in the poll and been in touch to share their thoughts on this topic. You can read our full story, here.
Kia ora, neighbours! I'm Gary, your interim reporter at Hamilton Press, covering for Kelley Tantau who is currently filling in at the Matamata Chronicle. She'll be back in a few weeks, but for now if you have any stories you'd like to share with the community, please feel free to … View moreKia ora, neighbours! I'm Gary, your interim reporter at Hamilton Press, covering for Kelley Tantau who is currently filling in at the Matamata Chronicle. She'll be back in a few weeks, but for now if you have any stories you'd like to share with the community, please feel free to message me on Neighbourly, or email me on gary.farrow@stuff.co.nz.
Get out your 80's gear, strap on your skates and head to Ham. Roller Skating Club Melville Park and join us for a night of fun.
Sat 26th May 7.00 to 9.00pm
$5.00 entry fee including hire skates
Gather a group of friends , head to the rink this Saturday night.
For more info email … View moreGet out your 80's gear, strap on your skates and head to Ham. Roller Skating Club Melville Park and join us for a night of fun.
Sat 26th May 7.00 to 9.00pm
$5.00 entry fee including hire skates
Gather a group of friends , head to the rink this Saturday night.
For more info email knaaps@xtra.co.nz or check out the Hamilton Roller Skating Clubs Facebook page
Looking for a rewarding overseas experience? Volunteer with local people and organisations throughout the wider Pacific to help transform lives. Aged 25 to 75 - our Kiwi volunteers come from diverse industries and all walks of life.
We cover flights, accommodation, insurance and even provide a … View moreLooking for a rewarding overseas experience? Volunteer with local people and organisations throughout the wider Pacific to help transform lives. Aged 25 to 75 - our Kiwi volunteers come from diverse industries and all walks of life.
We cover flights, accommodation, insurance and even provide a living allowance for volunteers and their partners.
Make a real difference in the lives of our Pacific neighbours. Learn more about volunteering with VSA.
How will you be celebrating National Volunteer Week next month?
National Volunteer Week (17-23 of June 2018)
celebrates the 1.2 million Kiwis who are volunteering their time and skills to our communities every year.
The theme this year is Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, … View moreHow will you be celebrating National Volunteer Week next month?
National Volunteer Week (17-23 of June 2018)
celebrates the 1.2 million Kiwis who are volunteering their time and skills to our communities every year.
The theme this year is Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.
We think this captures the essence of what volunteering is about. This is a time to acknowledge how volunteering efforts contribute to and enrich all communities within Aotearoa.
#NVW2018 #volunteering
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