Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
my sugestion, purchase a powerpack from the mandrake store, to be delivered to his house, explain how to get the computer to boot from a CD, and point him to this list. thats about all... and don't forget, 50 ain't that old (shesh). On Monday 06 May 2002 08:17 am, you wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
Tommy Eaton wrote: I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! I just have some ideas of what not to do and some questions: Don't tell him that Linux is (better | easier | more robust | requires fewer resources (mem and CPU)) than Microsoft without giving some qualifiers. (It is certainly not all four at the same time, it can use less resources if you use the command line only -- to get performance similar to equivalent applications under Win95, I had to add a lot of memory. I have crashed Linux, usually from the GUI, and sometimes was able to simply restart X (i.e., not a real crash.) What does he do with the computer -- email and surf the net, use it for work, as a hobby, or to support some hobby? Does he need some specific applications? Word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, CAD, paint, flow chart, presentation, geneology, stock tracking, database ...? Which? Did he learn Windows on his own? Would he expect to learn Linux on his own? Is he willing to do the extensive reading that may be necessary to do this? Is there anybody available to coach him? Are you ahead of him enough that you might coach him while you scramble to keep one step ahead of him? Do you use the same applications he will use? Is there a local LUG in his area? Does he (need | expect) sound? Video? Printing? I don't use sound or video (my son does, but still uses Windows), and I still do all my printing from a Windows box. Linux is getting better, but there is still a fairly steep learning curve. Hopefully, a few years from now, the learning curve will be less steep. For some people (and for the good of Linux, I think), it would be better for people who might forever after be discouraged from trying Linux if they would wait a few years. Or, let him read this, and recognize the pitfalls (I haven't gone into detail, but it gives some general idea). If he has some other reason to drive him on his Linux oddyssey (like a thorough dislike of Microsoft and its approaches or business practices), that might be enough to let him make the transition. The transition might be easier if he can start by using only Linux GUI applications, and if Linux is preinstalled by someone else, or if he has a lucky install that works the first time for him. (When I first installed Linux, I acquired a stack of CDs with Linux distros, mostly from my local LUG (no cost) (I had bought a few distros, also, including Caldera 2.2). Went through the stack -- if the installation didn't work, I set the CD aside. If installation worked I spent a few hours trying out the system. Then I went back and reinstalled Caldera 2.2 (it (with KDE 1.?) seemed easiest to use at that time). Spent a few months with that, then went to Mandrake 6.2, then 7.0, 7.2, and now one machine with a partial installation of 8.1 (a few things don't work). Can (you | someone) (explain | lead him through) setting up a dual boot system? What is his hardware? (Processor and speed, memory, hard disk size, modem (internal, external -- is it a WinModem?). (Does he plan to connect to the Internet? Dial up? Does he have more than one computer in the house that he would want to network together (and | or) share the Internet connection? For my daughter, I have set up computers (with Windows at the time) and mailed (UPS) them cross country with everything pre-setup. Is this an option? Sorry for so many questions. I am a 50 year old dad, computer enthusiast, and was usually considered a dos/Windows guru at work. I have had a lot of trouble using / learning Linux. (I have started the WikiLearn site (http://twiki.org/cgi-bin/view/Wikilearn/AboutThesePages) to help people (myself and others) learn Linux and open source software -- maybe you or he will find that site usefule, and be interested in correcting any errors that you find, suggesting additional pages, or adding content to new or existing pages.) Randy Kramer Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
RE: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
Well Tommy, If he's dangereous (as you said) I guess he's exactly the right person to try Linux, beside with distributions like Mandrake you dont need to be an expert to play around with Linux, and even betrer you dont have to suggest any applications, Mandrake is full of em, you just tell him which is for what ( If he couldnt guess from the names :) Dangereous guy + Mandrake + newbie@linux-mandrake URL + enough time = A linuxian in the making and maybe YOU will learn from him later on ;) Regards, = Original Message From Tommy Eaton [EMAIL PROTECTED] = Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! - Hanan AL-Shargi Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
On Monday 06 May 2002 1:17 pm, Tommy Eaton wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! You might like to consider getting him on Lycoris Linux. Just 1 install CD and it installs just one application of each type. It is supposed to be easier for the total newbie who is not going to want to tinker with all the exotic stuff available in mandrake. As for configuring his system over the net, sure you can do that. Just get him to install webmin and you can log into his system and configure it. (You will need to know his IP address) derek Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
RE: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
Who said 50 something was old? :) -Original Message- From: ed Tharp [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 9:05 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what? my sugestion, purchase a powerpack from the mandrake store, to be delivered to his house, explain how to get the computer to boot from a CD, and point him to this list. thats about all... and don't forget, 50 ain't that old (shesh). On Monday 06 May 2002 08:17 am, you wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
On Monday 06 May 2002 13:17, you wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! Well Tommy, I'm older than your dad, and I only owned a computer for the first time just over 2 years ago, and not only that, but I managed to get into linux as well, which means that , if I can do it, he can too, and I would not be supprised to learn that he became better at it than you. Tell him to start with either downloading the 3 no. ISO CD files from mandrake website,then burn them to CD,or buy the same from Mandrake store where they come in a box with some usful install advice in the form of a book, then get him to join the newbie website , and ask how to proceed. John -- John Richard Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
On Monday 06 May 2002 05:17, Tommy Eaton opened a general hailing frequency and transmitted to all open stations: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! one thing you might try if you are not sure how he will take to linux is to simply burn a SuSE live eval CD. (the only thing SuSE is better than mandrake for) that way he can try it out without even making a dual boot. if he likes it go for the dual boot. be sure to point out that while linux is generally more stable/performs better, it can be (though not always) less friendly/harder to setup certain apps, and treat it as a try it and see and you will likely make a sale (so to speak). treat it like the second coming and he will not be impressed. just ask lucas how episode I lived up to the hype. ;-) -- Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies. shane Profile at: http://dmoz.org/profiles/shen.html Proud to be a DMOZ editor since 10-98 Mandrake Users Club Member http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/club/ Registered linux user #101606 http://counter.li.org/ Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
Tommy Eaton wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! Have him get the 8.2 PowerPack or if he can download, get the download edition and join Mandrake Club at Tier 2 or higher. Also, he can join mandrakeonline to get answers to questions from mandrakeexpert as well as here. Apps, well Open Office is a reasonable alternative for spreadsheets and Word processing and presentations. LyX can run circles around Miscosoft Publisher but does have a significant learning curve. Quanta+ is reasonably easy to use and standards compliant for making web pages. Xine will play DVDs and will work better if he chooses to become an outlaw and download forbidden software to play the encrypted ones. Xmms is unmatched with all its plugins for the music fans, except the linux kernel could be better designed to handle sound. Civileme Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
Re: [newbie] Dad hates MS!! Now what?
On Tuesday 07 May 2002 1:05 am, ed Tharp wrote: my sugestion, purchase a powerpack from the mandrake store, to be delivered to his house, explain how to get the computer to boot from a CD, and point him to this list. thats about all... and don't forget, 50 ain't that old (shesh). On Monday 06 May 2002 08:17 am, you wrote: Hi all, I was chatting with my dad the other night about his adventures with Windows XP. He starts out with Man, I hate Microsoft! :-D Ok, so now what? I mentioned Mandrake to him and he seems interested... However, I don't know where to point him. What applications should I suggest? And for support, should I just point him to this list? He knows just enough to be dangerous (would Interactive Bastille help with that? - you know, something to protect yourself from yourself)... Unfortunately he doesn't live local so I couldn't set it up for him (unless somehow over the net?). I'm very much a newbie to this operating system, and Linux and general. But if you have any ideas how to help the process of a 50 year old Dad interested in a Microsoft alternative, please let me know. Thanks! I have read all the offers of hints. Are you confused yet? Check out this website http://www.ssc.com:8080/glue/ If dad is close to a LUG (Linux user group) point him at it. Then let him go for it. Buying him the package, or burning the CD's for him was the other good idea. After all, Mandrake is the distro you want him to have ;-) -- Michael Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft? Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
