[plug] How to convert without having to support??

[Tim Bowden]

On Mon, 2007-08-06 at 20:43 +0800, W.Kenworthy wrote:
> On Mon, 2007-08-06 at 17:05 +0800, Steve Baker wrote:
> > Paul Antoine wrote:
> > > Folks,
> > >
> > > In deference to everyone's desire for on-topic content, I proffer the 
> > > following conundrum:
> ...
> > 
> > The grandkids probably won't care - they'll notice it's a different 
> > system, click buttons, play with it, figure out what (if anything) is 
> > different from what they are used to, then explain it to grandad.
> 
> been there done that - and failed.
> 
> Daughter used linux for around 12 months because I didnt give her a
> choice.  I spent a lot of time making things work and keeping them
> working.  As soon as she could, she installed windows (even when I told
> her she would have to look after it herself) and became happy because
> she was then completely compatible with school and friends.  Yes linux
> can be compatible, but that takes work and knowledge - the answer was:
> why bother :(
> 

An example of the network effect.  Use it because everyone else does.  I
see the same thing with my own kids.  Our home computer is dual boot
WinXP/ Ubuntu and WinXP gets a solid run because they talk with their
friends about how to do things.  Ubuntu skills make for poor currency in
such an exchange.  WinXP skills are valued.  That's not to say Ubuntu
doesn't get a run.  They know that I won't respond to windows problems
except to show them how to do the task in Ubuntu and they know they're
safe in Ubuntu.

> My own mother went windows - because others in the family influenced her
> - what do I know, I only teach the stuff ... they actually use it to do
> interesting things like send email with smiley faces that move and send
> pictures to each other (!)  Yes linux can do that, but its so much
> easier in windows (so they have been told) and if something goes wrong
> anyone can fix it.  Fix it herself - never ...
> 
>  Its a world of "users" out there who are not interested in knowing how
> it works. If it breaks, just reinstall it (or get the kids to do so).
> Lost data, no backups - who cares, its only data.  Be part of the
> windows world and feel warm and fuzzy.  Yes its a lie, but they dont
> seem to care!
> 

Maybe the computer and what it can do is not so important to some
people.  Lost email?  So what.  Consequence is nothing.  Lost data?
None of it is very critical.  Some digital photos gone?  Wardrobes all
across the country have old boxes of old photos that are never looked at
again.  Missing digital photos are no different.

> And something else to think about - install anything for ANYONE (doze or
> linux) and YOU will end up supporting it for life - there is no such
> thing as install and forget.  Period!
> 
+1
Don't do it lightly.  Sometimes free is the most expensive.  Charge and
you set a value benchmark, though that's often not possible.  Sometimes
offering help is more of a trap than anything else.  Be sure you want to
take on the job before you get yourself into it.

> BillK

Tim Bowden