Web viewing preference when reading GhostBSD websites

vimanuelt

Do you primarily use a mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer when reading content on GhostBSD’s websites?

brianthehughes

Desktop, attempting to view on mobile is frustrating, so I don't do that to myself.

What's frustrating?

Pages with content that doesn't scale for mobile (donor logos on GhostBSD.org)
Pages with external links that replace current page rather than default to a new tab (oh, everywhere)
Pages with overlay (readthedocs latest corner) obscure text but don't add functionality

Robin

It's a desktop OS - users and potential users will likely be using their desktop to read about it.

vimanuelt

Most of the people I interact with no longer use desktops for web browsing. As for me, I still prefer browsing on a desktop, as it provides a more comfortable and readable experience. The ability to increase font sizes when my eyes grow tired is especially appreciated.

BigSneakyDuck

vimanuelt

I often do Web browsing on mobile even while at my computer! I'm on my phone now and I appreciate how good this site looks on mobile.

In fact even when troubleshooting I often prefer to look up information on my phone while trying to do whatever I'm getting stuck with on the computer!

This has some advantages, like I can still be reading the help despite the computer having issues with Internet connectivity, freezing, or needing to be restarted.

The disadvantage is that I can't copy and paste error messages, diagnostics, or command line instructions, though sometimes having to type them out makes you think a bit clearer about what you're doing! And sometimes I'll open a browser on the desktop and go to an address I already found on mobile if I need to do a download, or copy and paste an especially complex command.

vimanuelt

BigSneakyDuck
We owe thanks to Eric Turgeon, the GhostBSD project owner/manager, for his excellent work on the web interface.

You are absolutely right, mobile browsing does have its limitations. It would certainly be ideal to achieve better integration between desktop and mobile applications. Coming from a Plan 9 background, I can see 9p as part of a viable solution to bridge that gap. Perhaps once we migrate to a new desktop environment and complete the development of our core tools, I can build that application to improve cut/paste functionality across devices for the project. Instead of using ethernet or wifi, using bluetooth might prove a better means to connect to and from local devices.

BigSneakyDuck

vimanuelt

Yes, massive kudos to Eric for how clean the website is! Oddly, although a far smaller project than FreeBSD, it is GhostBSD which has the more polished and professional-looking website, as well as better ability to switch between desktop and mobile.

Windows, for all its ills, has very good integration between PC and phone these days. I would love for the BSD-phone to become a reality eventually, but the Windows example shows that isn't a necessary precondition to get your desktop working well with a phone on an entirely different OS!