Before i reply, i'd like to state that i mis-spoke earlier when i said that having a software centre "doesn't diminish the mission". That's not for me to say. It should have been a question: "how does it diminish the mission?". So i apologise for that.
I can use Synaptic. But new users, trying to come across from Windows (which i thought was part of the appeal) do struggle with it. It's heavy on initial information and daunting. I chose Lite for charity because i thought it would make it easier for people with little IT experience, or whose only experience would be WinMac.
The recipients of these devices vary. Some may be excited about using and learning Linux. Many (most, just like everyone else) just wants to get stuff done. I don't deal directly with these people, i supply these machines for their case-workers to give them. I'm lucky the lady who runs the show was vaguely familiar with Linux and was receptive. Most charities i approached weren't interested: it's not WinMac
What i may be erroneously thinking is that people will get Linux Lite and go "i can only install these 20 programs?". Wipe it, and put Windows on it. This isn't my problem, but i love Linux and want people to know about it and use it (oh, and usually the hardware really can't copy with Windows 10). Its also possible that the limited choice that covers most app types is ok; that a more comprehensive range will just confuse people. But people are used to mobile phones with a billion apps, and WinMac with a billion apps so i don't know.
What drew me to LL was the online FAQ/help that covered some common errors and stuff, and i remember a useful error message that actually told the person how to fix it (for memory by linking to the FAQ). TBH i didn't even notice the sparsity of the Lite Software selection until i had trouble installing something via the Terminal and thought i'd see if it was in the 'software centre'.
I've only recently switched to Linux Lite for these peeps and i'm yet to get feedback. Depending on what they say, it may be the case that Linux Lite just isn't quite what i was looking for and i should continue to trial alternatives. I'll wait and see what happens with the recent batch before i do more.
(01-24-2019, 03:23 AM)Derek_ link Wrote: First, if you find Synaptic to be too difficult to learn to use, you might consider not attempting to install any software that isn't either installed by default with the version of Lite you have chosen, or is not available in the Lite Software list. Synaptic is one of the most user friendly and intuitive means of installing new software, removing software, updating installed packages, fixing broken packages, and doing upgrades. If you find Synaptic too difficult to learn and use, you might very well be overstepping your current limits.
As has been stated by Jerry and others on this forum, Lite's mission is NOT to provide every user with every piece of software available in the free market. It's mission and intent is to provide a very simple to use and easy to understand alternative to the Windows operating system. Once a person has become familiar with using Lite, hopefully they will continue to use it and learn to install the software they would prefer, either via Synaptic, GDebi Package Installer, Tarballs, or other means. The one thing each of those people needs to remember is that Jerry and the guys offer no support for such attempts. If they "bork" their install, it's a lesson learned. That''s not entirely a bad thing. Over the years I have learned many lessons from such failed attempts.
I can use Synaptic. But new users, trying to come across from Windows (which i thought was part of the appeal) do struggle with it. It's heavy on initial information and daunting. I chose Lite for charity because i thought it would make it easier for people with little IT experience, or whose only experience would be WinMac.
(01-24-2019, 03:23 AM)Derek_ link Wrote: I guess in short what I'm saying here is that just maybe you need to consider learning more about Linux and how to install software. I seem to recall in another of your threads you made a comment about doing things from the command line. If you're familiar with command line use, why the need for a completely basic, easy to use, software installer? Do the things you need from the command line. If your request is actually for the recipients of the PCs your are giving away, let those recipients learn to use a basic Linux install before you offer them a way to install every piece of software Linux has to offer. I would even go so far as to remove the Menu listing for the Lite Software list. Users just new to Linux probably shouldn't be given a means to install, uninstall, change, tweak, fiddle, and fart with their new PC.
Just my 2 cents worth.
![[Image: 2cents-vi.gif]](https://images42.fotki.com/v1535/photos/2/3733132/14239300/2cents-vi.gif)
The recipients of these devices vary. Some may be excited about using and learning Linux. Many (most, just like everyone else) just wants to get stuff done. I don't deal directly with these people, i supply these machines for their case-workers to give them. I'm lucky the lady who runs the show was vaguely familiar with Linux and was receptive. Most charities i approached weren't interested: it's not WinMac
What i may be erroneously thinking is that people will get Linux Lite and go "i can only install these 20 programs?". Wipe it, and put Windows on it. This isn't my problem, but i love Linux and want people to know about it and use it (oh, and usually the hardware really can't copy with Windows 10). Its also possible that the limited choice that covers most app types is ok; that a more comprehensive range will just confuse people. But people are used to mobile phones with a billion apps, and WinMac with a billion apps so i don't know.
What drew me to LL was the online FAQ/help that covered some common errors and stuff, and i remember a useful error message that actually told the person how to fix it (for memory by linking to the FAQ). TBH i didn't even notice the sparsity of the Lite Software selection until i had trouble installing something via the Terminal and thought i'd see if it was in the 'software centre'.
I've only recently switched to Linux Lite for these peeps and i'm yet to get feedback. Depending on what they say, it may be the case that Linux Lite just isn't quite what i was looking for and i should continue to trial alternatives. I'll wait and see what happens with the recent batch before i do more.