Most of us programmers/geeks love to expound our knowledge ;-) and we definitely need people who are not afraid of asking questions.
Because there are often so many ways of solving a problem, all of us often will read answers from others and learn something new, no matter the level of expertise. On Wed, 2002-05-22 at 22:05, Robert Fisher wrote: > > As you have all seen my questions on the mailings over the last couple > of months, I thought I would hit the keys with a few thoughts. > > I have learnt heaps in the process of getting to where I am now, but > could not have done it without the help from many of you. Unfortunately > my computer learning over the last few years has been without any formal > training but mainly by fumbling around GUI’s. > > I believe that I am a typical “power user” who enjoys setting up and > using the computer to do work for me. > > After starting my Linux excursion with RedHat 7.2 I am almost a complete > convert on my desktop at home with RedHat 7.3 > > * My file sharing LAN is working with Samba > * I use Ximian Evolution for mail etc., > * X-CD-Roast for CD burning, (although it does not recognise the > DVD drive as a reader in any of the burning programmes – maybe > my next call for help) > * Playing videos and music files seem no problem in RH7.3, > * OpenOffice.org1.0 seems as good as MS Office and files can be > opened from or saved to MS Office format so no compatability > problems > * Not using GnuCash yet as it does not have the outstanding > bills feature or ability to export to Money or Quicken, even > though it can import QIF files (This is probably all that is > stopping me from a complete switch). > * Licq is running fine > * > > My main point is that although I am now convinced that Linux can be a > viable alternative as a desktop operating system (with good programmes), > and am telling my friends about it, the growth of user numbers will not > accelerate without concerted efforts to help “newbies” get over the > setup “hurdles”. > > I sometimes wonder how the group regards my questions – are they too > trivial, is the group above me, do they mind etc. etc. I certainly > appreciate the help and advice, even if some of it is definitely “above > me”. If the gap is not bridged between the "experts" and people like me > the growth of Linux acceptance will not be maximised. > > > Thanks for all of the help and patience. > > Robert > > -- Zane Gilmore, Analyst / Programmer Information Services Section, Information Technology Dept, University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch New Zealand phone +64-3-364 2987 extn 7895 Fax 3642222
