[Ares-races] Windows + Experience = Bad

[Bob Burns K4RXR]

At 09:44 AM 3/11/02, Martin T. Focazio - KC2CXH wrote:

>Most ham radio operators will be able to learn the basics of Linux in 
>about a week.

Marty's comments about OS reliability are valid. However, I really think we 
need to consider the users.

A few years ago, I volunteered to set up computerized logging for my club's 
Field Day operation. I picked one of the popular DOS-based logging 
programs, set up three laptop computers (two operating positions plus one 
back up) with the software, and let the contacts roll up.

Wrong!

Most of our members were not contesters, were not familiar with logging 
programs, and new nothing about DOS. The logs were a mess. It took several 
evenings of hair-pulling to get things straightened out. I blamed most of 
the problems on the user-surlyness of the logging program. But a big part 
of the problem was DOS.

Most of today's computer users know Windows and nothing else. DOS is 
something they've heard us OFs talk about and Linux simply befuddles them.

My opinion is that for an ARES packet system to be of any value, it has to 
be very simple and easy to use. Given the knowledge level of most users, 
that would tend to steer me towards a Windows solution.

Bob...