Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
I too miss the 4:3 ratio, the present 16:9 is OK for watching video, but just not what I want when I am working with spreadsheets and other data that is more vertical. I have a screen on my desktop that is rotated 90 degrees, when I need to do documents or other vertical data I pull it over to that screen off of the reg- ular monitor. And so far I even enjoy the T42 for the screen, and it is really not that slow. Just do not load up a bunch of stuff that is not needed. On Sun, Nov 12, 2017 at 12:10 PM, Richard Owlettwrote: > On 11/12/2017 07:25 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: > >> [snip] >> She most liked the big screen and the keyboard on that T42 is >> something that she really likes (not sure why but it sure is). >> >> [snip] But she wanted a bigger screen and a keyboard. I asked >> if she wanted a desktop, she said no a laptop, and pointed at >> my X301, and told me she wanted one like that but with a bigger >> screen. I pulled out the old T42 and set it up and now she is happy. >> >> > Just for the heck of it I pulled out my T43 and installed Debian 9.1 with > MATE desktop. I see no problem with it. I got reminded of why I liked it - > the *PROPER* screen aspect ratio. I had switched to a T510 as the HDD was > too small and the CD had problems. Loading SeaMonkey is slower but I saw no > operational problem. > > YMMV > > > > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > -- Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Ph 4:13 KJV Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Fil 4:13 RVR1960 ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
On 11/12/2017 07:25 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: [snip] She most liked the big screen and the keyboard on that T42 is something that she really likes (not sure why but it sure is). [snip] But she wanted a bigger screen and a keyboard. I asked if she wanted a desktop, she said no a laptop, and pointed at my X301, and told me she wanted one like that but with a bigger screen. I pulled out the old T42 and set it up and now she is happy. Just for the heck of it I pulled out my T43 and installed Debian 9.1 with MATE desktop. I see no problem with it. I got reminded of why I liked it - the *PROPER* screen aspect ratio. I had switched to a T510 as the HDD was too small and the CD had problems. Loading SeaMonkey is slower but I saw no operational problem. YMMV ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Well, so far she seems to be happy with it. I tried the tablet iPad offer but got a "no I want a computer" I showed it to her and she played with it a bit and said it was good. I told her that if she continued to feel that way and started to feel it was slow we would get something faster, she said that was good, but now what we have is exactly what she needs. She most liked the big screen and the keyboard on that T42 is something that she really likes (not sure why but it sure is). Now we will see how it really goes. I have tried to set up desktops, she went out and got a Samsung tablet some years ago, but never used it, she does use her phone constantly. But she wanted a bigger screen and a keyboard. I asked if she wanted a desktop, she said no a laptop, and pointed at my X301, and told me she wanted one like that but with a bigger screen. I pulled out the old T42 and set it up and now she is happy. If momma ain't happy nobody's happy Ahh how true... On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 8:23 PM, Tomas Kuchtawrote: > Wow, so many responses. Wonderful. > > First - as much as I love vintage stuff - 15 years old computers sucks for > many reasons. Keep it as your pet vintage car type of project. Consider > something new, perhaps Chuwi 12.3, it looks like iPad, so non PC people are > not scared of it, and it is very affordable - not fast, but much better > than T42. > > Second - talk and LISTEN to your wife what she would like the computer for. > If like you said it is light browsing and calling people with iPads and > iPods - then iPad is probably the best choice. You cannot win over everyone > constantly moaning about that she should just have iPad. It doesn't matter > how shallow it might be - enjoy talking about other things than computers. > > If your wife really want/need a computer, you need to ask her what for. In > any case Ubuntu is probably the best choice because it is simple, it works > and your kids will be able to figure things out for her. > > Hope it helps, > -T > > On Nov 11, 2017 5:19 PM, "Chuck Hast" wrote: > > > Just went and looked at it, nice laptop from what I can see, and you can > > get > > it with Linux pre-installed. > > > > Speaking of relatives, I have to go and put linux on my mom's computer > she > > got one with Windows 10 and it is such a mess, slow, the monitor will not > > wake > > up (it did but there was some update and messed that up) so I am going to > > move her to Linux too. The computer is a Dell and it is new so I can put > a > > full distro on there, but I will just put the things she needs, add Cairo > > Dock so > > she can find others, and that should put a stop to all of that. > > > > I will move them one by one off of the other OS. > > > > On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 6:53 PM, Russell Senior < > russ...@personaltelco.net > > > > > wrote: > > > > > Fwiw, the CHUWI 12.3 is a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, and is high res, so > no > > > jaggies. > > > > > > On Nov 11, 2017 4:51 PM, "Chuck Hast" wrote: > > > > > > > All well taken, these are good pointers, perhaps we should publish a > > > > book... > > > > > > > > Here is what I am planning, the T42 is set up and running just fine. > If > > > it > > > > works > > > > out I will get her a newer ThinkPad. I figure that if she gets > through > > a > > > > few weeks > > > > or months with it, then I will move her up to something faster, only > > > issue > > > > is she > > > > LIKES the screen size on the ol' T42. > > > > > > > > As to 32 bits, yep the choices are rapidly going away. Though I was > not > > > > planniing > > > > on putting a real large distro on it, If she can just do her web > stuff > > > and > > > > learn it. > > > > The machine is way faster than she can type right now, so I am not > too > > > > worried > > > > about speed. It pays music and videos, and she can look at all she > > wants. > > > > > > > > > > > > On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 3:08 PM, Galen Seitz > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > > > > > > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She > wants > > to > > > > > learn > > > > > > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now > computer) > > > so > > > > I > > > > > am > > > > > > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on > the > > > > > desktop > > > > > > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If > this > > > > fails > > > > > > then I will > > > > > > try to get her to go for the iPad. > > > > > > > > > > Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what > > > I've > > > > > done for relatives. > > > > > > > > > > galen > > > > > -- > > > > > Galen Seitz > > > > > gal...@seitzassoc.com > > > > > ___ > > > > > PLUG mailing list > > > > > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > > > > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Wow, so many responses. Wonderful. First - as much as I love vintage stuff - 15 years old computers sucks for many reasons. Keep it as your pet vintage car type of project. Consider something new, perhaps Chuwi 12.3, it looks like iPad, so non PC people are not scared of it, and it is very affordable - not fast, but much better than T42. Second - talk and LISTEN to your wife what she would like the computer for. If like you said it is light browsing and calling people with iPads and iPods - then iPad is probably the best choice. You cannot win over everyone constantly moaning about that she should just have iPad. It doesn't matter how shallow it might be - enjoy talking about other things than computers. If your wife really want/need a computer, you need to ask her what for. In any case Ubuntu is probably the best choice because it is simple, it works and your kids will be able to figure things out for her. Hope it helps, -T On Nov 11, 2017 5:19 PM, "Chuck Hast"wrote: > Just went and looked at it, nice laptop from what I can see, and you can > get > it with Linux pre-installed. > > Speaking of relatives, I have to go and put linux on my mom's computer she > got one with Windows 10 and it is such a mess, slow, the monitor will not > wake > up (it did but there was some update and messed that up) so I am going to > move her to Linux too. The computer is a Dell and it is new so I can put a > full distro on there, but I will just put the things she needs, add Cairo > Dock so > she can find others, and that should put a stop to all of that. > > I will move them one by one off of the other OS. > > On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 6:53 PM, Russell Senior > > wrote: > > > Fwiw, the CHUWI 12.3 is a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, and is high res, so no > > jaggies. > > > > On Nov 11, 2017 4:51 PM, "Chuck Hast" wrote: > > > > > All well taken, these are good pointers, perhaps we should publish a > > > book... > > > > > > Here is what I am planning, the T42 is set up and running just fine. If > > it > > > works > > > out I will get her a newer ThinkPad. I figure that if she gets through > a > > > few weeks > > > or months with it, then I will move her up to something faster, only > > issue > > > is she > > > LIKES the screen size on the ol' T42. > > > > > > As to 32 bits, yep the choices are rapidly going away. Though I was not > > > planniing > > > on putting a real large distro on it, If she can just do her web stuff > > and > > > learn it. > > > The machine is way faster than she can type right now, so I am not too > > > worried > > > about speed. It pays music and videos, and she can look at all she > wants. > > > > > > > > > On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 3:08 PM, Galen Seitz > > > wrote: > > > > > > > On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > > > > > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants > to > > > > learn > > > > > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) > > so > > > I > > > > am > > > > > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the > > > > desktop > > > > > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this > > > fails > > > > > then I will > > > > > try to get her to go for the iPad. > > > > > > > > Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what > > I've > > > > done for relatives. > > > > > > > > galen > > > > -- > > > > Galen Seitz > > > > gal...@seitzassoc.com > > > > ___ > > > > PLUG mailing list > > > > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > > > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- > > > I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. > > > Ph 4:13 KJV > > > Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. > > > Fil 4:13 RVR1960 > > > ___ > > > PLUG mailing list > > > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > > > > > ___ > > PLUG mailing list > > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > > > > > > -- > > Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- > I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. > Ph 4:13 KJV > Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. > Fil 4:13 RVR1960 > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Fwiw, the CHUWI 12.3 is a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, and is high res, so no jaggies. On Nov 11, 2017 4:51 PM, "Chuck Hast"wrote: > All well taken, these are good pointers, perhaps we should publish a > book... > > Here is what I am planning, the T42 is set up and running just fine. If it > works > out I will get her a newer ThinkPad. I figure that if she gets through a > few weeks > or months with it, then I will move her up to something faster, only issue > is she > LIKES the screen size on the ol' T42. > > As to 32 bits, yep the choices are rapidly going away. Though I was not > planniing > on putting a real large distro on it, If she can just do her web stuff and > learn it. > The machine is way faster than she can type right now, so I am not too > worried > about speed. It pays music and videos, and she can look at all she wants. > > > On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 3:08 PM, Galen Seitz > wrote: > > > On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > > > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants to > > learn > > > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) so > I > > am > > > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the > > desktop > > > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this > fails > > > then I will > > > try to get her to go for the iPad. > > > > Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what I've > > done for relatives. > > > > galen > > -- > > Galen Seitz > > gal...@seitzassoc.com > > ___ > > PLUG mailing list > > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > > > > > > -- > > Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- > I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. > Ph 4:13 KJV > Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. > Fil 4:13 RVR1960 > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Oh, yeah, actually I lied. Several of my relatives have Chromebooks. Two of the three are running GalliumOS, which is a lightweight xfce desktop on an Ubuntu base with Chromebook tweaks. On Nov 11, 2017 1:08 PM, "Galen Seitz"wrote: > On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants to > learn > > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) so I > am > > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the > desktop > > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this fails > > then I will > > try to get her to go for the iPad. > > Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what I've > done for relatives. > > galen > -- > Galen Seitz > gal...@seitzassoc.com > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Xubuntu with Cairo Dock is a nice, easy to use setup as well... On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 1:08 PM, Galen Seitzwrote: > On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants to > learn > > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) so I > am > > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the > desktop > > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this fails > > then I will > > try to get her to go for the iPad. > > Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what I've > done for relatives. > > galen > -- > Galen Seitz > gal...@seitzassoc.com > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
On 11/11/17 12:38, Chuck Hast wrote: > Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants to learn > how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) so I am > going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the desktop > and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this fails > then I will > try to get her to go for the iPad. Alternatively, you may want to consider a Chromebook. This is what I've done for relatives. galen -- Galen Seitz gal...@seitzassoc.com ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
All my relatives that have ever asked for my help use Ubuntu Gnome, and I immediately fire up Tweak Tool to turn on the Application and Place menus, Window Bar at the bottom, and the minimize/maximize buttons on windows. I'd also recommend something better than the T42. I still have a T42, but 32-bit support is getting harder to come by. Also, get something with 4GB of RAM or more or you'll be running out of memory for Firefox when she opens the 95th tab. The other weaselly advice idea is to get her something you'd like, in case she decides she doesn't want one after all. The CHUWI 12.3-inch LAPBOOK is modern, 4-core, 6GB RAM, not too expensive ($329 on Amazon), and has a very nice display. Although, the touchpad could be better, I typically use an external mouse. On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 11:35 AM, Dan Bolducwrote: > My first thought was, "mint". > > Guess I wasn't the only one! > > Also seconding the iPad comment, as long as it doesnt get me banned from > the list Women really do love them. My wife uses hers everywhere. > > Also, that is a very old thinkpad. Thinkpads up to the t430 series are > still very good and quite inexpensive on ebay. After that, don't bother. > > On Nov 11, 2017 11:00 AM, "Wayne" wrote: > > Linux Mint > Wayne > > > On 11/11/2017 10:50 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: > >> Folks, my wife finally conceded that she needed to learn how to use a >> computer, >> that has been an uphill battle for years, I am looking at starting her out >> on a >> T42 Thinkpad which I have here. At this point all she needs is a browser, >> some- >> thing to play music and watch videos. Later on I will show her how to use >> LO. >> >> So what should I put on that T42 that will work reasonably well for her to >> get >> started but will not be too much. I am going to set it up with a very >> limited >> amount of things, and let her work up. Big thing is I do not want her to >> open >> something, get flustered and then back away >> >> I have been thinking about either Lubuntu or >> >> > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Well I put Lubuntu on it and so far it does pretty good. She wants to learn how to use the computer, (I offered a tablet, but no, now computer) so I am going to take a poke at Lubuntu. I will put the needed apps on the desktop and let her go at it. Thank you all for all the good ideas. If this fails then I will try to get her to go for the iPad. On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 1:35 PM, Dan Bolducwrote: > My first thought was, "mint". > > Guess I wasn't the only one! > > Also seconding the iPad comment, as long as it doesnt get me banned from > the list Women really do love them. My wife uses hers everywhere. > > Also, that is a very old thinkpad. Thinkpads up to the t430 series are > still very good and quite inexpensive on ebay. After that, don't bother. > > On Nov 11, 2017 11:00 AM, "Wayne" wrote: > > Linux Mint > Wayne > > > On 11/11/2017 10:50 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: > > > Folks, my wife finally conceded that she needed to learn how to use a > > computer, > > that has been an uphill battle for years, I am looking at starting her > out > > on a > > T42 Thinkpad which I have here. At this point all she needs is a browser, > > some- > > thing to play music and watch videos. Later on I will show her how to use > > LO. > > > > So what should I put on that T42 that will work reasonably well for her > to > > get > > started but will not be too much. I am going to set it up with a very > > limited > > amount of things, and let her work up. Big thing is I do not want her to > > open > > something, get flustered and then back away > > > > I have been thinking about either Lubuntu or > > > > > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > ___ > PLUG mailing list > PLUG@pdxlinux.org > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug > -- Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Ph 4:13 KJV Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Fil 4:13 RVR1960 ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
My first thought was, "mint". Guess I wasn't the only one! Also seconding the iPad comment, as long as it doesnt get me banned from the list Women really do love them. My wife uses hers everywhere. Also, that is a very old thinkpad. Thinkpads up to the t430 series are still very good and quite inexpensive on ebay. After that, don't bother. On Nov 11, 2017 11:00 AM, "Wayne"wrote: Linux Mint Wayne On 11/11/2017 10:50 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: > Folks, my wife finally conceded that she needed to learn how to use a > computer, > that has been an uphill battle for years, I am looking at starting her out > on a > T42 Thinkpad which I have here. At this point all she needs is a browser, > some- > thing to play music and watch videos. Later on I will show her how to use > LO. > > So what should I put on that T42 that will work reasonably well for her to > get > started but will not be too much. I am going to set it up with a very > limited > amount of things, and let her work up. Big thing is I do not want her to > open > something, get flustered and then back away > > I have been thinking about either Lubuntu or > > ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
Re: [PLUG] linux for a Ludite
While I was struggling with teaching her Windows (bad) and Mint (better) my daughters kept telling to give her an iPad. (We are in our 80s! And she was the Valedictorian.) I demurred, but finally gave in. They taught her how to use it and the light suddenly went on. The ease with which they can do global "videophone" is the last straw in selling this one way ticket. (Yes I know about Skype...) Over the years I've given iPads to daughters and granddaughters around the world to their delight. (The males get Linux and Windows.) And they gave me iPads in return. I use them when watching TV and running Ham Radio remote (FLEX 6300). iPads do have their place and resistance is futile in this case. :-D. -Dave On 11/11/2017 11:00 AM, Wayne wrote: Linux Mint Wayne On 11/11/2017 10:50 AM, Chuck Hast wrote: Folks, my wife finally conceded that she needed to learn how to use a computer, that has been an uphill battle for years, I am looking at starting her out on a T42 Thinkpad which I have here. At this point all she needs is a browser, some- thing to play music and watch videos. Later on I will show her how to use LO. So what should I put on that T42 that will work reasonably well for her to get started but will not be too much. I am going to set it up with a very limited amount of things, and let her work up. Big thing is I do not want her to open something, get flustered and then back away I have been thinking about either Lubuntu or ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
[PLUG] linux for a Ludite
Folks, my wife finally conceded that she needed to learn how to use a computer, that has been an uphill battle for years, I am looking at starting her out on a T42 Thinkpad which I have here. At this point all she needs is a browser, some- thing to play music and watch videos. Later on I will show her how to use LO. So what should I put on that T42 that will work reasonably well for her to get started but will not be too much. I am going to set it up with a very limited amount of things, and let her work up. Big thing is I do not want her to open something, get flustered and then back away I have been thinking about either Lubuntu or -- Chuck Hast -- KP4DJT -- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Ph 4:13 KJV Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Fil 4:13 RVR1960 ___ PLUG mailing list PLUG@pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug