[plug] Re: Computer Bank - please dont give them away.

[Buddrige, David]

> I have serious reservations about this approach. As techies we tend to
> think here's your computer, here's your GNU/Linux/OSS bible and you are
> saved, hallelujah.
> 
I agree... I am grateful for Ken Yap and Mike Holland's observations
regarding some of the obstacles.... I am keen to identify as early as
possible any likely problems we may encounter, so we can solve them.

> <broken record mode> There has to be a lot of user training and
> handholding to go along with the computer. </broken record mode>.
> And when we build a relationship with these people maybe they'd be less
> likely to flog the gift at the nearest op shop, hmm?
> 
I am thinking a good strategy (as I mentioned briefly before) is to offer
training in the first place, followed by (if necessary) a computer to take
home.  This seems to me to be the most effective way to solve the problems
you have mentioned.  I also think that the strategy depends on the client.  

> don't think we can say what the approach should be until we have gone
> out and got our customers.
> 
I agree... I think we should look at using a range of strategies that are as
focused  on the real needs of the client as much as possible.... however a
reasonably generic strategy of training first, computer second seems to me
to offer a solution for (most) cases?  

Please keep the thoughts/observations coming... (I would've taken ages to
realise 10% of these by myself!)

Best to try and anticipate as many problems up-front as possible.  I'm of
the opionion that avoiding unnecessary mistakes is  better than learning
_after_ making them.  ;-)

regards

David



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