Re: [Usability] gnome-screensaver configuration (or lack therof)

[Alan Horkan <horkana maths tcd ie>]

[This message will probably not thread properly, gmail is doing something
strange so that message dont quote properly (>>>> in Pine) and I worked
around it by forwarding myself a copy of the message.]


On Sun, 1 Oct 2006, Alan Horkan wrote:

> > If the submitter could be more specific about which exacty screensave
> > he wants to configure we might be able to sugges an alternative
> > approach. (The image slideshow screensaver might be an example of a
> > screensaver which really doesn't need to be configured.)
>
> I had no specific screensaver in mind.

This makes it very difficult for the developers do help you.

> If you haven't already, install X-Screensaver and take a look at the
> screensavers there.

I am already familiar with Xscreensaver, it exposes a lot of complexity to
the user and that means a lot more work for systems adminstrators and
techincal support if things get messed up.  It is not unreasonable for
Gnome to take a different approach from Xscreensaver and the developer
explained his plans fairly well in the FAQ.

It is a shame it is difficult for you to remove gnome screensaver and go
back to using Xscreensaver and hopefully that is something which can be
improved.

> number of blobs/stars/shapes/spkies/cows/ants/spaceships.....).  This
> is not unlike screensavers in KDE as well as Microsoft Windows and
> Apple Mac OS.  It's been "standard" for ages.

A developer is trying something different and he has the support of the
Gnome team.  It may not be what you are used to and have some rough edges
but the other approach is not without its downsides.

> I found an interim (or possibly permanent) workaround though.
>
> Details at http://www.kde.org.

You are welcome to try a different system and KDE may be more to your
tastes but your attitude and comments are not going to encourage
developers to see things your way and isn't that what you really want.
The old saying goes: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

> As time goes by it seems more and more as if Linus really *did* know
> what he was talking about..

Linus is a kernel developer.  Linus is not a KDE developer or a Gnome
developer.  If Linus has ever worked in technical support or worked as a
systems adminstrator it was a long time ago.  Different tools are more
useful to different audiences.

> "This 'users are idiots, and are confused by functionality' mentality of
> Gnome is a disease.

This is an unfortunately over simplification of what Gnome is trying to
achieve.  It is especially unfortunate that Linus made those comments
right in the middle of a discussion where KDE and Gnome developers were
trying very hard to work together to improve printing support and come up
with a reasonable consistent user interface, parts of which both groups
could share.

> If you think your users are idiots, only idiots will use it.

A medical professional such as a doctor is hardly an idiot however he may
have other priorities than a developer and be too busy to learn more about
his computer system.

> I don't use Gnome, because in striving to be simple, it has long since
> reached the point where it simply doesn't do what I need it to do.

This is a perfectly reasonable statement, he is saying Gnome is not for
him and that is fair enough.  Gnome cannot be "all things to all men" (or
women).

> Please, just tell people to use KDE."

KDE has put in big efforts to figure out who their users are and it would
be better to say "tell early adopters and computer enthusiasts to use KDE"
as they are the people most like to like it.  There is a little rivalry
between the project but things are getting friendlier and both projects
have bigger fish to fry.

KDE is an interesting project and I have made some great friends with the
KDE developers your comments are inappropriate.  This list is for
discussing usability.  Please tone down your inflammatory remarks, I do
not want to have to ask anyone to leave.

Thanks for your feedback.

Sincerely

Alan Horkan
[Usability list moderator.]

"It is all free softare to me."