the problem with Linux?

[Noah John Gellner]

I agree with this statement in general, but find that when I have
problems this issue is that I can't find the file to edit. For example:
* Squirrelmail gives me an error about not being able to find
/usr/games/fortune, but it is there and I can execute it from the
command line? What is it looking for. There is probably some file that
needs to be edited but I have no idea which one and can't find anything
about it on the web
* realplayer hijacked by flash settings and now I can't open *.swf files
in mozilla. There is clearly some file that needs to be edited but it
isn't /etc/mime-types. I have no idea what it is
* switchdesk relies on some file for its desktop selections. I don't
know what it is and end up having to edit the destination file by hand -
no problem except that it is a clumsy workaround.

There are more issues, but like the ones above none are not deal
breakers, but they might be if I wasn't into fooling around with my
machine.

In my experience the problem with Linux is that these files are located
all over the place, and are not always obvious or even close to obvious.
The result is that if you are adding and removing applications there are
is a constant requirement for hacks and work arounds. On response is
that users shouldn't be constantly adding and subtracting applications,
but in my opinion that is a pretty weak solution. Given that users will
add and remove applications there process should be possible. 


On Tue, 2004-04-06 at 23:23, Jeremy Wakeman wrote:
>  I think the best direction for configuration tools
> aimed at end users (esp people new to non-proprietary operating systems)
> is to design a good-looking, intuitive GUI that is, in function, as close to
> "edit the /etc/program.conf file" as possible.
> 
> That's what makes sense to me.
> 
> -Jeremy


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