I assisted my cousin (never used a computer before mid 30's y.o. builder) with his Windows install and it has OpenOffice.org and Firefox. Whilst installing these I introduced the concept of open source. He was receptive in regards to not having to pay for software.
Because he had just shelled out for a new Dell system with Windows XP, he couldn't conceive paying for anything else along with the monthly Internet bill. But here the eldest child started school and I couldn't support child with educational aid.
In June/July this year I was in Germany and my cousin purchased a new computer. Being unable to source a copy of Windows XP within an reasonable amount of time, I installed Ubuntu*. Living with for about a month I was able to provide 24/7 support (European key bindings and all (made easier with LANG=)). They were able to download pictures from there camera's, IM with Gaim, and be pirates with gtk-gnutella. Also burning CD's within known was easy.
But installing applications wasn't obvious, and whilst I was away in another part of Europe Windows was installed. Since though my cousin says there nothing comes close to what gtk-gnutella was on Linux.
In these cases I couldn't support them if they had Linux, because I made the choice for them. IMO it would be different if they wanted to learn about alternatives.
* Easy to source a distribution in Germany, they have 10+ Linux magazines. -- Simon Males <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
