[plug] Linux training for home newbies

[W.Kenworthy]

I would not even do installation and make admin very minimal (probably
updates and login only, even if that)

Get them interested, show off the bells and whistles and cost
comparisons (here we have MSoffice, it costs $nnnnnn, whilst here is OO.
Free to use, thats right free for pensioners and others ...)  xmms,
email (evolution), IM (gaim/licq/... the glitz, whistles and free/having
a pensioners discount sell!)

My mother in Mandurah did a course like you suggest at the local
library, and has quickly become a microsoft advocate because of the way
the industry is structured (dont show alternatives - linux - if you want
to buy a computer, go see these people who do a good deal on used
microsoft systems etc ...)  Without family help, she would have been
lumped with some extra costs soon after delivery (what do I do next, Ive
broken it, whats anti-virus, ...)  

Unfortunately the rest of my family believe MS advertising, so I didnt
make any headway with linux :(  At least I dont maintain it now!

Computer Angels will probably have the best take on dealing with this
group.  I wonder how long do their systems last after delivery before a
well meaning family member wipes the disk and puts his pirate copy of
doze over the top?  Again, the MS "its not working, wipe it and
reinstall" mentality seems to encourage the attitude in MS's favour.
(replace the competition at all costs - costs to Bill G's bank account
of course)

BillK





On Mon, 2005-09-19 at 01:54 +0800, Mr E_T wrote:
> On Sunday 18 September 2005 21:49, Senectus . wrote:
> > There is a few places.. but they're for RHCE and NCLE type quals.. and
> > _very_ expensive to do (thousands for a few weeks).
> > 
> Maybe Plug should have a think about somthing.
> 
> The friend who wants to try linux is a pensioner and is having trouble with microsoft.
> They expressed interest in doing a small course/training class to get to know it better.
> 
> They are available for microsoft products in various forms around the place.
> 
> Maybe something along the lines of basic instalation, admin and use concentrating on the
> gui interfaces. - Nothing too in depth.
> 
> Just a thought.
>