[AnotherUnixGeek]

I don’t know, guys, you are awfully contemptuous of non-techie people in the “if they can’t figure out how to get online, they shouldn’t be there” kind of mode.

That sure wasn't my intention. I agree that OS installation from Linux and the various BSDs should be made easier for end-users, and it's getting there slowly (it's a vast improvement now from the days when configuring XFree86 took a calculator and crossed fingers).

But we need to keep demanding powerful, useful computers, not just glorified web-browsing machines. Software, hardware, and media companies would love to have a captive audience of passive Internet users receiving commercial content, corresponding to the old model of television viewers. This isn't good for any of us - real computers and the Internet provide individuals (even granny!) with the ability to create and share/market their own content, devise and share/market their own innovative applications. The ongoing campaign by tech and media companies to lock down the capabilities of hardware and software are going to inevitably hamper innovation.

[rlmorel]

My assessment came out kind of harsh...I was in a grouchy mood this morning. I always think I should not post on FR until after I get out of the shower.

I understand completely the point you make about freedom of choice and dumbing it down...I just cannot divide it so cleanly between no choice and no inhibibitions...:)

The points you make are perfectly valid though, and I appreciate your communicating them to me the way you did...:)