Letters to the Editor

I've just gotten my Linux setup working and got a subscription to LJ. I was happily overwhelmed by the depth of information your magazine offers. On that note, I have a few comments/suggestions.

1. Since it appears that Linux is achieving some sort of mass acceptance, it may be in LJ's best interest to appeal to many types of users. I know as much as the next programmer about DOS, more than most about OS/2, but very little about Linux. And I turn to your magazine for help. Unfortunately, I find very little information for the beginning Linux'er. Maybe a beginners column would help? How about a series of articles that covers installation considerations, tips, setup help, and a list of the FAQs and where to get them?

2. I believe that most experienced *nix users expect new users to understand how multi-user systems work. They forget that the “I've outgrown Windows” crowd will be coming onboard and will expect to have their hands held and for their installation routines to handle all the crucial details. My marketing background makes me keenly aware of how first impressions make or break a sale. And you can bet your last dime that Microsoft and IBM will be sucking in new users at a record pace in 1995. So, if you were to include some new user information in your magazine, I'm sure you'd capture a few of the wanna-be's.

Thanks for your time.

—Chris Freyer cfreyer@gate.net

1. Part of the problem has been finding authors interested in writing beginning material. We now have several authors interested in this, and more beginning articles will start showing up. Keep your eyes peeled.

2. The first impression means a lot. However, we can't beat the MS marketing machine at its own job. Instead, I think that Linux is and will be for those who have become dissatisfied with MS and (to a lesser extent) IBM. I'm not going to bet that Linux will ever blow MS out of the market. Instead, I'd like it to be the best possible thing for those who are frustrated with the alternatives.