[Gllug] Re Music Server

[Justin Perreault]

On Mon, 2005-11-07 at 20:54 +0000, ANDREW MCCALL wrote:
> Okay, time to fess up I am a Windows user out of necessity and have not had
> the courage to move to Linux as it would mean re-educating the whole
> family!!!!!!!!!! Therefore whilst I understand the principles of this
> operating system (i.e. its biggest plus is that it doesn't add to Mr Gates
> pocket and it is substantially more stable) I have no experience of it, so
> this would necessitate a very steep learning curve.

If the learning curve is steep then it is very short lived. Aside from
learning what the names of the word processor, spread sheet processor,
email application and Internet application are there is not likely to be
much.

Within 2 weeks of starting to use FC3 last year my wife was fine on it.
I showed her how to log in and where the different programs were. Now
she only boots the machine in XP to play SIM2 or GTA:San Andreas. (And
DVD's but I hope to get that sorted soon :) )

With the wealth of extra programs available out of the box and on the
'net she was quite happy.

I suggest doing a quick survey to see what programs they are using, find
alternatives for each one and use a live cd/dvd to show it to them. From
there you can set up the system(s) to dual boot if need be but you will
likely find the system booted in linux. Any challenges they face are
likely to be the same challenges you face so when they come up it might
also be sorting you out as well.

I used to find Linux was a problem to get use out of as a non-technical
user. Now it is much easier to get into and easier to sort out the
technical parts when they come up. (This is based on the Zipslack
install I did 10+ years ago vs FC3 last year)

It is getting easier every day and by educating people just a little
they will feel that little bit more comfortable stepping away from what
they are used too which leads them to that place they always hoped they
would reach.  (All sappiness realised, but I still had to type it :) )

I used to loath computers. I could only believe that they were good for
video games. My view is changing greatly on that and it is because I use
Linux that this is happening. I do not expect such disproportionate
changes of view from your family, but when you provide someone with a
better tool they can see for themselves what was wrong in the first
place.

BTW I have been working with/in computers for 20+ years now and firmly
believe that Linux is NOT the best tool for every job, however it covers
so many bases so well, that it is usually the best place to start
looking.

-- 
Justin Perreault

Better questions lead to better answers-
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

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