Nick Rout wrote:
This leaves people with a bit of a learning curve, the steepest part of
the learning curve maybe: modem, accelerated graphics, flash, java, a
chat program that connects to MSN, printing, accessing windows
filesystems (both on the same machine and over the net), adsl, the
ipod/palm pilot/usb drives/cameras, video & audio playing, general
networking in the punter's own environment, security updates.
Hear, hear.
Linux experts may consider that when a Linux machine boots up into Gnome
or KDE, Linux is "installed". This opinion is not shared by Linux
newcomers. They will measure the success of an install by their ability
to browse the 'net, view email, print, and view their photos.
How about a real beginners guide printed out - we don't have to write
it, just source a whole lot of material off the net and make a booklet.
Ok some editorialising may be needed. People STILL like real
documentation that they can read without figuring out how to read a pdf
on linux, or operate the printer.
This would be excellent. It is, however, no substitute for one-on-one
configuration help. Follow any howto-style document as a Linux newbie,
and you'll get bogged at about line 3 without expert assistance. In my
experience, whenever I've had a Linux expert looking over my shoulder,
I've nailed config problems at a staggering rate, and learnt massively
from the experience. I've also always found it enormously motivating.
Grinding config problems out yourself with the aid of Google and this
list is a severe test of the newcomer's mettle. We don't really want
Linux to be this hard.
Douglas.
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