Vaiability of developing a new Linux Based OS?

[m1d_kn1ght]

Hi guys.

My name is Nick.

I live in Melb, Australia. You all seem like an open lot of guys, so I thought I might share a thought I have been toying with over the last few months.

The main thing Ive noticed about Linux distro's that causes new users to steer away from it is its modular design.

I mean think about it, if you dont want it, you can just get rid of it, or not install it *I love Linux*

But...

And here it comes, what is the viability of creating an open source OS, even based on another distro that could focus on usability?

I mean the hardest part to understand is the installation of new software.

As for the functionality, its fine. I mean as an example : Open Office does a very good job of creating documents and word processing; gnome is a very reliable desktop.

These are all great points but for the average end user, if you cant install Open Office in the first place, whats the point, ya know?

I mean Im happy to download the source, or RPMs but the average Joe Schmoe doesnt have the foggiest what source code IS, let alone how to compile it.

I would go to the wall to sell Linux to the world, but how do you sell something as complicated as Linux to someone who has a M$ mentality?

What Im thinking, is what about creating at the very least a front end/GUI or in the bigger picture an entire OS, that can keep the modular Linux Back end, and have a more End User oriented front end.

As examples :

• "Double Click => Next => Next => Finish" type wizards
• Hidden Console, so the End User doesnt see all the compiling and stuff
• Simple and Intuative design, based on ICEWM or KDE perhaps
• Focus on Multimedia; Internet and Office functionality
• Repackaging applications like open office in an easy to download installers with simple updates via similar packages
• Auto update, kinda like windows update
• Focus on 3D performance, and support for ATI and nVidia cards off the shelf and with regular re packaged driver updates, rather thean the EU having to download the drivers, and update themselves... I mean for those who dont know how, you have to do hours of research to understand run levels so that you can kill X to install the new drivers. Then theres the tutorials... and blah blah blah...
• More active development and research in Linux driver compatability

And many many more. The whole thing would be habbyists and enthusiasts, to start with at least.

I guess the main purpose, is to strip all the heavy tech head stuff out of a current distro (like ProFTP comes standard with a lot of distro's, others might have Qmail). Things that an End User will very very very rarely use.

I know it may sound like Im blowing a lot of hot air, but think about the possabilities...

A simple OS that can be handed to a friend; family memberor easily downloaded off the net, that can do everything you want it to off the shelf.

You dont need to be a wizz to know how it all works, and you have everything you need to get yourself started straight away.

Need a new App? Jump online and grab the install file, double click it, and your in business!

Anyway, I would love to hear from everyone what they think. If its viable, or if Im just full of crap.

Feel free to email me, I would like to know your opinions.

Cheers!

Nick.



***Edit --> Please ignore the spelling mistakes

[fingal]

Hmmm ... well not all Linux distros are quite the way you describe. For example Mepis more or less meets your criteria. If you want to put your own distro together ... fine. That would be a huge job though.

The 'double click and install' model won't work either. You would still need to supply a root password.

[techieMoe]

Your ideas are not new or novel, and have been tried many times by many, many distributions. Obviously since Linux is still intimidating to some new users, no one has yet to get it completely right.

As for creating another Linux distribution, I would strongly advise against it. There is a glut of dead/dying/barely maintained distributions out there today, and that number grows every day. Most of these were started by people with a good idea or a "vision" on how Linux should be.

If you're that passionate about making Linux more popular with the general public, I'd suggest donating your time and/or talents to an existing distribution that most closely resembles your particular vision about what Linux should be. Some good examples might be Ubuntu or Linspire.

[m1d_kn1ght]

not all Linux distros are quite the way you describe. For example Mepis. If you want to put your own distro together that would be a huge job

I agree, it would be a huge job.

Mepis is a good example, and so would be something like Ubuntu.

Im just looking from a user perspective. I mean, these are both good starter distros, but I remember my first exp with Ubuntu which is touted to be the easiest Linux based OS to install configure and use.

I spent days working on it trying to get my graphics card working. nothing special, just an Intel i915GM. I got it in the End, but how many EU's would know how to do that let alone compile the code like I had to...

Im thinking usability.

[m1d_kn1ght]

Your ideas are not new or novel

I know.

As for creating another Linux distribution, I would strongly advise against it. There is a glut of dead/dying/barely maintained distributions out there today, and that number grows every day.

I agree.

If you're that passionate about making Linux more popular with the general public, I'd suggest donating your time and/or talents to an existing distribution that most closely resembles your particular vision about what Linux should be. Some good examples might be Ubuntu or Linspire.

All valid points, however none of the existing distro's have focussed on the End user without looking for a profit, or without sacreficing some of the uniqueness that is Linux.

I want to keep Linux as linux. I dont want to make it look like something its not. I want it to be linux, period.

I just want to make it as user friendly as possible. Keeping the ability to use it in a professional capacity as well as being able to "tone it down" for the people who have no idea.

[carlosponti]

ubuntu's goal isnt profit and they are keeping the ideals of linux without too much compromising. mepis has one they sell. but for a community based distro you will still need money to get it going and to keep it going. There are alot of distros that are not for profit and also are trying to be user centered. But they all still rely on money to keep the web server going the file servers where all the source is stored as well as the files needed by the end user to install the distro. its aweful nieve to not see that. i think that you if you are interested need to comtribute to a distro that exists. plus in time more and more distros are going to move to a user centered existence unless thier goal is more server orientated. i think you need to look deeper at whats there and see where it needs improvement and be part of the process to improve that.

[techieMoe]

All valid points, however none of the existing distro's have focussed on the End user without looking for a profit, or without sacreficing some of the uniqueness that is Linux.

I want to keep Linux as linux. I dont want to make it look like something its not. I want it to be linux, period.

I just want to make it as user friendly as possible. Keeping the ability to use it in a professional capacity as well as being able to "tone it down" for the people who have no idea.

That's a good goal, and one that I personally agree with, but I still think donating to an existing mainstream distribution is the only really effective way to accomplish this. Best of luck whatever you decide.

[fingal]

I just want to make it as user friendly as possible. Keeping the ability to use it in a professional capacity as well as being able to "tone it down" for the people who have no idea.

Well ... you're free to do so, which is why I like the whole Linux ethos. No distro is perfect however, and one person's 'user friendly' is IMHO another's nightmare.

I tend to agree with Moe however and think you'd be better throwing your weight behind an existing distro. Having said that, for all I know you're a budding Linux visionary so good luck.

I would also strongly support Carlosponti's points about money ... Like it or not it fuels most things, including 'non-profit' organisations. Money is the juice that runs most projects, so embrace the idea or perish. Hard for me to do that personally, but I've learned from bitter experience.

A further (and possibly more subtle point) is that Linux changes the way you think about and use a computer. Simple to use GUIs are one thing, but over time you begin to appreciate the power of using a CLI ... you get more feedback from the utilities you run and somehow - if you engineered that out - you'd be missing a trick. If I didn't think like that I'd use a Mac (Torvalds uses one I hear.)

[onlinebacon]

and how would:

njext>next>next>finish

be easier than apt-get foo

its instant lol

lol

[m1d_kn1ght]

ubuntu's goal isnt profit and they are keeping the ideals of linux without too much compromising.

I never accused them of profiteering.

mepis has one they sell. but for a community based distro you will still need money to get it going and to keep it going.

I never denied that "Not for profit" distro's still require some sort of funding to perpetuate the distribution of their end product.

Its aweful nieve to not see that. i think that you if you are interested need to contribute to a distro that exists. plus in time more and more distros are going to move to a user centered existence unless thier goal is more server orientated. i think you need to look deeper at whats there and see where it needs improvement and be part of the process to improve that.

Please, I am not saying I have not researched. For example. One thing that most distro's steer away from is including an MP3 codec and with good reason, but there isnt a push to use in my opinion the much superior OGG Vorbis codec.

It can take as little as 20 seconds on newer hardware to convert an mp3 to ogg with very little if no loss to quality.

Although many many distro's include this as standard, there is no focus on it as a viable and opensource solution to the ever increasing MP3 DRM legalities debate.

All Im asking for is opinions, and though I value your opinion, Im looking for more constructive detail.

As for contributing, I have contributed in many ways to current distro's. Theming and skinning (for GNOME), some sound schemes for Ubuntu, a few tutorials (most outdated now), and even donations to a few driver developers.

I just want to know if its viable, and if there are people out there who agree or disagree, and why.

Thanx though. I do appreciate your input.

Nick