If it's not too late for this, then put it in 8.1... here's my
suggestion(s).
You need to have a "Full Auto" mode of installation. One that does
*everything*. (Short of reading the user's mind for info, of course.)
For instance, it would ask for a primary language and then be off, even
automatically analyzing the hard disk for how best to partition it and
then doing it automatically. Partitioning - even the mention of it -
scares people. Especially Windows users. "Partitioning? What's that?
... AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" It doesn't matter to them that the
DiskDrake proggie is point and click brainless. They are still running
away.
"Full Auto" mode would have to make some assumptions, of course. For
instance, that the person is going to use it as a workstation... that
they are probably trying out Linux Mandrake for the first time... that
sort of thing.
I think "Full Auto" mode should install only what is needed, and then
extend that to whatever a Windows user new to Linux would find of
interest or of use.
Additionally, "Full Auto" mode should emulate Windows by making lots of
'horrible' choices for the user, like which desktop environment to use
(none of this list length choices, give 'em the two they'll use to begin
with anyway and be done with it),which word processor to use,
spreadsheet, etc. For (most) extreme newbies, regardless of
intelligence, choice = thinking, and they can't be bothered by that.
And endless choices is confusing.
However, you should make it abundantly clear that they still have those
choices, and that installing additional programs is much easier in
Linux, how to do so, etc. Perhaps a tip that pops up, like Kandalf.
So far I have gotten two people to install LM 7.2 and two more
interested in trying it, but my job would be much easier if there was
this "Microsoft Mode" for installation...
Oh, and another thing... it would be very impressive to people new to
Linux to see things on the installation screen like, "Linux Mandrake
will automatically detect and set up a wide range of hardware, so that
you will probably never need to install drivers after installation." and
"Linux Mandrake isn't just a wonderfully powerful, easy to use operating
system, it comes with a multitude of programs, like web browsers, e-mail
clients, audio/CD players, etc etc, some of which are being installed
for you RIGHT NOW!" Really play on the fact that they are getting all
this stuff WITH the installation, for free. Point out the differences
in what they would "typically get" with "other operating systems" and
what they get with LM - like REAL word processors, etc.
We take a lot of the things Linux offers us for granted, but they will
not, IF we tell them. Like multiple virtual deskops. If you mention
all the cool features Linux has that they have never seen before during
the installation, they will be much more enthusiastic about it once it's
installed, and much less likely to just arbitrarily give up because of
something. Showcase the distro during installation! First impressions
are important, so do everything you can to get their interest right off
the bat and then keep it focused not only on Linux, but on Linux
Mandrake.
Maybe you guys ought to hire me for advertising... LOL
Shannon Matteson
