On Sat, Oct 11, 2003 at 12:53:47AM +0200, guran wrote: > > I think that this thread should be read in two steps: > 1 There is a problem for newbies to know 'programs'. > 2 How best to fix i. > > My proposal is a Howto that is linked to all installed programs doc and for > the rest calls mc to read all docs directly from the rpms on discs.
Most people don't want to read documentation (only geeks want to know how things work, other people just want stuff to work), that's the problem with all newbies. The outcome of the newbie problems is: 1) the newbie wants to find out how stuff works or can be done more easily; this is the newbie geek. 2) the newbie doesn't know how stuff works and just tries every thing she/he knows from before (read: windows/mac/???); this is the adventurous user. 3) Whoa, everything is different, the newie just gets scared and wants his/her mommy (read: windows/mac/??). This is the hard to help category. The 1st category is already very happy with the way things are. (Actually, the more difficult the better, since that makes you cool (NOT!) The 2nd cat. can be helped by adding tips and intuitive interfaces. The 3rd cat. needs intensive guidance and support during a longer period to get used to the new and improved environment ;-) This is also a category user that, once converted, never wants to go back. The 1st and 2nd category should be accomodated in Mandrake's Linux (IMHO). The 3rd category is beyond mere interface aids, they need someone next to them while learning. Documentation is fine, but know that you're writing it for yourself/us (assuming most cookers are in cat. 1 ;-) Obviously, this is my view on the world, I could be wrong... /Simon
