Introduction
Too many computing publications talk about alternative
operating systems without actually trying to use them. As a result, they end
up talking up Linux without adequately discussing its real-world usability
for "normal" users doing general computing tasks, and they may never even get
around to talking about BeOS at all. I believe BeOS has usability advantages
over Linux that aren't coming to light in the press for some reason, and I
want to try and do something about that. I've prepared the Alt.OS Usability Challenge document, and invite BeOS users to send it to the editorial staff at your favorite computing publication.
The Alt.OS Usability Challenge requests that publications take a couple of
Windows or MacOS users and sit them down at a Linux machine and a BeOS
machine, then observe them as they try to learn and use the new OS.
Please feel free to send this to your favorite technology publication (you
may want to target a specific writer at that publication with a track record
for covering the alternatives), either via snail mail or email. Just fill in
the blanks and sign it with your own name.
Remember that this challenge is not produced or promoted by Be, Inc. (though
Be will provide review copies of the OS to qualified journalists). If you
translate it into another language, please send me a copy of the translation. Currently available translations are:
If at all possible, try to avoid spamming publications. I am maintaining a list of all publications to whom the document has already been sent. If you send out a copy, please let me know so I can add them to the list. Don't forget the technology section of your regional newspaper.
The document can be read in HTML format, but to prevent formatting issues from creeping into your email messages, please use only the downloadable plain text version when you send. Don't forget to fill in the blanks before sending!
- Scot Hacker