----- Original Message ----- From: JR <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: newbie@linux-mandrake.com Subject: Re: [newbie] Playing god with friends new laptop (Moral question) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 15:42:12 -0500
> > On Saturday 22 January 2005 09:38 am, Duncan Anderson wrote: > > There should be no problem. The lady in question is a "computer newbie". > > She will most likely want to use email and word-processing initially, so > > there should be absolutely no issue, since all such programs are > > standard on Mandrake at no extra charge. > > > > Most importantly, she will not have to bother with the time-wasting and > > expensive activities which surround Windows in its capacity of virus > > magnet. How any newbie copes with the whole vicious circle of infection, > > re-installation, protection, updates, etc., defeats me. > I agree here whole heartedly. I dont know how to teach her about updates, when > to turn on and off autoprotect etc. > > > > I have installed Mandrake on several senior citizens' computers and > > generally a bit of help is required every now and then, but it is > > normally sorted out over the phone, or for a few minutes, accompanied by > > a cup of tea and a chat. > > > > There is also no problem getting Mandrake to see wireless networks. We > > don't have such luxuries where I live, but when I was in Europe on > > holiday, I had no trouble connecting to the hotels' access points with > > Mandrake 10.1beta2 (at the time, August last year). I was using an > > Orinoco PCMCIA card. Unfortunately the ADSL infrastructure does not > > exist yet in our beautiful seaside village. I believe it is due in 2006. > > > > cheers > > Duncan > <snip> > > I think what I'll do is make her windows environment as linux-like as > possiblel firefox, thunderbird and so forth. Then I'll install linux (she has > plenty of disk space) and show her how easy it is. She will always have the > choice - but she will surely find linux easier. I dread going near her laptop > with windows on it and it's brand new! What a shame. > > Regards, > > Jarlath ******************************************** As far as wireless goes, it definitely depends on what sort of wireless nic you have. I have a Dell Inspiron with a Broadcom wireless card, and I came just sort of smashing it to bits out of utter and complete frustration trying to get that thing to connect under Mandrake 10.1. 8>| The Broadcom ethernet card on the other hand, was a snap to set up. I tried both "ndiswrapper" and Linuxants "driverloader" with the wireless.....no joy in Mudville at all. I agree with your decisions to use as few MS programs as possible, and to set her up a dual-boot. Dual-booting is what I had to settle with, and now I can go wireless if need be, albeit with MS, and I can stick with my beloved Mandrake most of the time by plugging in to the internet. My decision to buy this Dell, with it's linux un-friendly Broadcom wireless card, is just one of those little learning experiences that comes along once in a while. ;-) "Too soon old and too late smart" comes to mind. Best regards to you. --Angus "Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness." -- James Thurber *********************************************** ~Linux Laptop (almost), Powered (mainly) by Mandrake 10.1~ *********************************************** ~Reg. Linux User #278931~ *********************************************** -- _____________________________________________________________ Web-based SMS services available at http://www.operamail.com. From your mailbox to local or overseas cell phones. Powered by Outblaze
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