On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 09:35:15 +1200 Douglas Royds wrote: > 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.
I agree wholeheartedly, but: Look at it this way, We have had a miserable turnout for our linux "fixit" workshops the last few times they have been run. Part of the problem might be that the "problem" has often been severely exacerbated by the time the punter gets there, it is no longer a "virgin" system, files have been randomly edited, strange software installed. Therefore we often haven't been able to fix the problem. Similarly people have often tried to install on antiqauted hardware, and the hardware is actually their problem, eg dying cdroms/hard drives/RAM. Its also a PITA bringing all your hardware (printer, camera, cables, scanner). However the fact remains that the fixit workshops do exactly what you describe, but have been poorly attended! Perhaps we need to advertise them to the general public and move them to (say) a saturday. Then they will have to cost people (hall hire, advertising in the Press etc.) -- Nick Rout <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
