Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
My grandmother uses Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon and has done so since sometime in August. The reason is simple, really. I provide her with all the technical support she needs and I decided that I shouldn't have to provide her with support for an OS that I no longer used. The transition was very smooth and, after the initial learning phase, she doesn't need my help very often. She used Firefox prior to the switch so the only major difference for her is Open Office instead of MS Office 2003. If anything she's found the Office transition easier than me (I'm speaking as someone who puts a lot on the UI). Now I can upgrade her system for her from anywhere in the house on my notebook through SSH. I only wish I could get my mother to switch to Ubuntu Linux but this doesn't seem possible in her situation. Ubuntu is only suitable as an OS for people with broadband internet connections whilst she is still stuck in a remote location with 28kbps! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
HI Jai, On 23/12/2007, Jai Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My grandmother uses Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon and has done so since sometime in August. The reason is simple, really. I provide her with all the technical support she needs and I decided that I shouldn't have to provide her with support for an OS that I no longer used. I love your grandmother! If only all support clients were that thoughtful! Ubuntu is only suitable as an OS for people with broadband internet connections whilst she is still stuck in a remote location with 28kbps! Why do you say this? I would say it was no more or less 'suitable' as an operating system with or without a high speed connection as any other OS. -- Steve Garton http://www.sheepeatingtaz.co.uk -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Hello Jai, - Stephen Garton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: HI Jai, On 23/12/2007, Jai Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My grandmother uses Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon and has done so since sometime in August. The reason is simple, really. I provide her with all the technical support she needs and I decided that I shouldn't have to provide her with support for an OS that I no longer used. I love your grandmother! If only all support clients were that thoughtful! Ubuntu is only suitable as an OS for people with broadband internet connections whilst she is still stuck in a remote location with 28kbps! Why do you say this? I would say it was no more or less 'suitable' as an operating system with or without a high speed connection as any other OS. You can jump from release upgrades to release upgrades, by putting the newer distro's CDs into the drive. It will then start the upgrade. It might be worth waitng for the .1 release that they do sometimes, to get as many of the critical bugs patched as possible. You can always also use a external harddrive, to download a copy of the apt-repository, so that you can do updates if she's having trouble with a particular bug. Only tricky bit would b setting ubuntu up to use dial-up modem, but once thats working, should be a piece of cake :) Kind Regards, Kirrus -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Dianne Reuby wrote: I had to hide in the decollating room at 10 as women weren't allowed to be alone with men after that hour, and the security guard made his rounds to check! Is this for real?? What did they think you were going to do to the men after 10 ?? :-) Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Dianne Reuby wrote: I think many people have hit the nail on the head - if it's working, most people don't want to change. My dad only switched to Firefox when IE suddenly stopped working (have you fixed it yet, MS support - or have you taken my advice and switched to Firefox as I suggested?). I switched last year because I knew I wouldn't be able to justify (financially) a new PC that would run Vista, and thought I'd better look into other options before my XP became unusable - I didn't want to have a steep learning curve when I had things I wanted to do. I saw two articles about Ubuntu, sent for a LiveCD, and liked it. I think that's a target audience we need to consider - others like me, on a limited budget, who are using a PC as a hobby, and who won't be able to run Vista without hardware upgrades. Yes I think this is a major target audience. I have come to think of this audience as 'FOFM' - Friends or Family Members who in practice act as a complete network of underlying support for general (windows) computing in families, groups or neighbourhoods. FOFMs have a great influence, and if even a few begin to take an interest in (ubuntu) Linux then there is a disproportional effect. -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: Only tricky bit would b setting ubuntu up to use dial-up modem, but once thats working, should be a piece of cake :) This is what kept me using suse which was quite good for dialup (external serial modem) and very easy to configure. I have tried (k)ubuntu 7.04 and it was very hard work, and I do not remember all the individual actions needed, and the password secrets file seemed a bit hard to get right too. -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
It sounds silly now - but in the early 70's that was the law. Aren't we civilised now? Dianne On Sun, 2007-12-23 at 18:27 +, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dianne Reuby wrote: I had to hide in the decollating room at 10 as women weren't allowed to be alone with men after that hour, and the security guard made his rounds to check! Is this for real?? What did they think you were going to do to the men after 10 ?? :-) Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Well i can say that i am a bit surprised (if not a little innocently prejudice) at the results so far with regards to the age group! As a 24M i didn't expect to see as many in the (insert Politically Correct term, perhaps) higher categories. I am not surprised, though a bit disappointed (got myself to blame for that too) about the results of the gender question! Maybe it's time we change the default colours of gnome to something more female friendly :) On the whole, i think its an interesting pole!! Thanks! P.S. Sorry if i offended anyone, its very early and the coffee hasn't counteracted on the effects of the Mulled Wine from last night!! On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 14:10 +, Kirrus wrote: http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Regards, Kirrus -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Michael Holloway wrote: Well i can say that i am a bit surprised (if not a little innocently prejudice) at the results so far with regards to the age group! As a 24M i didn't expect to see as many in the (insert Politically Correct term, perhaps) higher categories. Michael Higher is good! ;-) I am not surprised, though a bit disappointed (got myself to blame for that too) about the results of the gender question! Maybe it's time we change the default colours of gnome to something more female friendly :) Val Henderson's excellent HowTo may suggest some other ways that may help us do something about the gender imbalance, too: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Encourage-Women-Linux-HOWTO/ On the whole, i think its an interesting pole!! Yes, isn't it just?! Like you, I'm sort of surprised, though I can't put my finger on why. I suppose I expected more bright young things - students, possibly - and fewer people like me! But it seems the distribution is slightly skewed towards the 'higher' end, with a surprising lot of us over-fifties: a silver fox GNU/Linux underground! Kewl! Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
snip ? On the whole, i think its an interesting pole!! Thanks! P.S. Sorry if i offended anyone, its very early and the coffee hasn't counteracted on the effects of the Mulled Wine from last night!! It must be remembered that this is a pole of readers of this list so perhaps the bias is as much to do with that as anything else. I will leave it to more statistically minded persons to analyse the results when the pole is finished, next year. Wishing a happy and prosperous festive season to all our readers. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Mac wrote: Val Henderson's excellent HowTo Oops! 'Val Henson', of course! Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
** John Levin [EMAIL PROTECTED] [2007-12-21 16:31]: Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Nice one, and thanks for the question on proximity to London. John (just turned 40, so get off my lawn, you damned kids!) ** end quote [John Levin] Nuts, I chose this post to reply to because of the mention of hte proxity question and forgot to comment! I was force to go for the Yes (2 hours travel max, excluding traffic jams) one since I am within 2 hours travel time. What the question lacked was the No (2 hours travel max, excluding traffic jams, but I'd really rather not if I don't have to) answer! Sadly it is the closest these events generally get to me since Manchester and Birmingham are never seriously considered if an event is there. I register every year for the Linux shows in London, but have actually attended two since probably 2000 which was my first. Guilford would do me nicely if it can't be just round the corner. Close-ish to London without actually having to go there ;) -- Paul Tansom | Aptanet Ltd. | http://www.aptanet.com/ | 023 9238 0001 == Registered in England | Company No: 4905028 | Registered Office: Crawford House, Hambledon Road, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hants, PO7 6NU -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
** John Levin [EMAIL PROTECTED] [2007-12-21 16:31]: Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Nice one, and thanks for the question on proximity to London. John (just turned 40, so get off my lawn, you damned kids!) ** end quote [John Levin] Hmm, that's the first time I've ever had to put my age in a bading that includes 50! I've got around another 6 months before I start telling people to get off my lawn :o I'd say, on a late night, gut feeling, probably ill considered, quick thought, that the 31-50 age group covered the most interesting and varied point in computer history. Those below 30 are generally (and I apologies for generalising, I really hate doing it) the Windows generation and grew up with PCs running various versions of Windows. Those in the 31-50 bracket probably cover the whole range from those that grew up without computers at home, through those that were ahead of the game with the kit built machines sold through the electronics magazines, on through those that grew up with the 8 bit home micros and on to the beginning of the end for proper computer innovation with the 16bit computers such as the Amiga, etc. As to the original question. My parents are both in their 70s (hope they don't mind that being mentioned on a public list!) and whilst my Mum is reasonably computer literate and has used computers from the Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro and through Amiga and now PCs, my Dad is a relative newbie. That said, my Dad is keen to learn and interested in trying to use Linux (when I manage to build him the second machine I've promised them). The still use Windows 98, and ever since they upgraded from their IBM PS/1 with Windows 3.1 (386SX25) to a Dell with Windows 98 (PIII600) I have had no end of complaints about the speed of the machine, crashes and other oddities. As far as they are concerned Windows 3.1 was the best Windows they've used, and hardware reliability has taken a nose dive too. The 386 is still going strong (on the odd occaision it gets switched on) whereas the newer Dell has had an HD failure (not for once a Maxrot) and an increasingly unreliable CD drive. -- Paul Tansom | Aptanet Ltd. | http://www.aptanet.com/ | 023 9238 0001 == Registered in England | Company No: 4905028 | Registered Office: Crawford House, Hambledon Road, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hants, PO7 6NU -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Quick answer: Yes. I've seen a 60-year-old move to ubuntu, with LESS problems than he had with Windows XP. He spent about a week learning the interface, and asking lots of questions. Then suddenly the questions stop, and he's a happy bunny. We've put a Internet shortcut on his desktop (he had the same on Windows. This is not someone who is comfortable with computers!), as well as a Word shortcut. And away he's gone. I've not heard a word of complaint, or a question, for a very long time... Regards, Kirrus -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
My Parents switched, and they are 50, wasnt all to hard, said it was better and explained why, then they moved. Had alot less problems and questions. Set it up alot like the mac(with the most used icons on the bottom bar, will be pushing it over 2008 to anyone i come in contact with who does not use games on their pc. Daniel On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 10:34 +, Mark Allison wrote: Hi there My Dad bought a new PC last week, and me being the family geek, was asked to set it up for him. He has been using XP for the last five years or so and is reasonably happy with it, when it works. When I arrived to configure his new machine and move all his email, documents over it turned out that he had Windows Vista Home Premium installed. He was complaining a lot about it because he couldn't find things where he was used to looking for them, his scanner didn't work, and some less popular applications that he uses won't install on Vista either. So, I wiped the machine and at that point was tempted to offer Ubuntu to him, but at the same time I realised that the best OS for him was Windows XP. If he was getting lost in Windows Vista, what hope was there for him if he moved to Vista or a nice new iMac? So, I installed XP Pro and he is now very happy - the machine is a lot snappier as well. I know that he could spend some time learning a new OS, but a man in his 60s that uses the computer occasionally for the odd document, email and web browsing just doesn't want to invest the mental effort required to switch to a more stable, perhaps better quality OS. This scenario must be fairly common in that lots of non-techie people are so used to Windows that given a new OS, will simply find it too much hard work to learn its features, no matter how much better it is than Windows. I personally use Ubuntu, Mac and Windows and am happy in any of them - I use Ubuntu Server for backups, proxy, firewall, web filtering; Macs for the family (and I did flirt with them for a while); and Windows for me on the desktop. All OSs all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for some people it's just not worth the effort to switch to something unfamiliar. What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Mark. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
On 21/12/2007, Mark Allison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi there [snip] All OSs all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for some people it's just not worth the effort to switch to something unfamiliar. What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Something I have come to realise is that some people don't care enough. They just want things to work. My Dad (50) isn't particularly techiy, but uses his computer. He mainly uses his machine for a few games (freecell/solitaire) and the internet, and managing digital photos. The software that came with his camera is bloated, but he taught himself to use it as it is what came with the camera. All credit to him, he uses XP, mantains his software firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software religiously. It's what he knows how to do. I've offered to put Ubuntu on for him, but he's not bothered. He doesn't mind doing what he's doing, and sees no reason to teach himself all over again. On the other side of the coin, there's my mother in law (61). She uses her machine for Internet (firefox) and e-mail (webmail) with the occasional 'Word' document. I moved her to Ubuntu about 9 months ago, and she hasn't looked back. She hasn't really noticed the difference, as all she used was firefox! She had complained in the past the Word (and OpenOffice, which, in her logic is still 'Word'! :S )Tries to help too much. She doesn't want auto-correct, or magic bullet points that try to guess what you are trying to say (or centre align, she likes spaces!!). I've moved her to Google docs now, and she loves it! To summarise what has become a mammoth post, some people aren't bothered, and that's their perogative! -- Steve Garton http://www.sheepeatingtaz.co.uk -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Mark Allison wrote: Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? many of us *are* older, non-techie people :-) Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Mark Allison wrote: Hi there My Dad bought a new PC last week, and me being the family geek, was asked to set it up for him. He has been using XP for the last five years or so and is reasonably happy with it, when it works. When I arrived to configure his new machine and move all his email, documents over it turned out that he had Windows Vista Home Premium installed. He was complaining a lot about it because he couldn't find things where he was used to looking for them, his scanner didn't work, and some less popular applications that he uses won't install on Vista either. So, I wiped the machine and at that point was tempted to offer Ubuntu to him, but at the same time I realised that the best OS for him was Windows XP. If he was getting lost in Windows Vista, what hope was there for him if he moved to Vista or a nice new iMac? So, I installed XP Pro and he is now very happy - the machine is a lot snappier as well. I know that he could spend some time learning a new OS, but a man in his 60s that uses the computer occasionally for the odd document, email and web browsing just doesn't want to invest the mental effort required to switch to a more stable, perhaps better quality OS. This scenario must be fairly common in that lots of non-techie people are so used to Windows that given a new OS, will simply find it too much hard work to learn its features, no matter how much better it is than Windows. I personally use Ubuntu, Mac and Windows and am happy in any of them - I use Ubuntu Server for backups, proxy, firewall, web filtering; Macs for the family (and I did flirt with them for a while); and Windows for me on the desktop. All OSs all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for some people it's just not worth the effort to switch to something unfamiliar. What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Mark. Hmm, I can see your point in installing XP Pro, not sure if Microsoft will see the point unless it's a legal copy. It's a shame that Microsoft don't allow downgrades from Vista Home to XP Home. Anyway, yes I have managed to get an older non techie person onto Ubuntu. A friend of mine asked if I could sort his mum's PC out which had a pirate copy of XP on it. I suggested they try Ubuntu and if they're not happy with that it would be about £60 for a copy of XP Home. After a demonstration of Ubuntu Feisty he said he was happy for his mum to give it a go. All she does is browse the internet and check her e-mails. So anyway, I installed Ubuntu and delivered the PC. I took her through everything on the PC (took about an hour) and she was happy with it. In fact, she was so happy, he's asked me if I could install Ubuntu on her old PC for a friend of hers who just does word processing (although I think it'll have to be Xubuntu as it's an older PC). So there is hope. It is possible to make Ubuntu work like Windows. It isn't a major job to move things around such as the applications menu, and I dare say it takes a darn less time install Ubuntu and do that than it does to install XP, anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and all the software on top! I suppose in a way it's best to look at it on a case by case basis. If as you find the end user uses some strange applications that won't run under Wine (or Vista) and hardware which won't work then it might just be worth sticking with what they know. Although I think for those folks who just check e-mails, browse the web and write a couple of word processor documents it isn't much hassle to switch. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
On Dec 21, 2007 10:34 AM, Mark Allison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi there My Dad bought a new PC last week, and me being the family geek, was asked to set it up for him. He has been using XP for the last five years or so and is reasonably happy with it, when it works. When I arrived to configure his new machine and move all his email, documents over it turned out that he had Windows Vista Home Premium installed. He was complaining a lot about it because he couldn't find things where he was used to looking for them, his scanner didn't work, and some less popular applications that he uses won't install on Vista either. So, I wiped the machine and at that point was tempted to offer Ubuntu to him, but at the same time I realised that the best OS for him was Windows XP. If he was getting lost in Windows Vista, what hope was there for him if he moved to Vista or a nice new iMac? So, I installed XP Pro and he is now very happy - the machine is a lot snappier as well. I know that he could spend some time learning a new OS, but a man in his 60s that uses the computer occasionally for the odd document, email and web browsing just doesn't want to invest the mental effort required to switch to a more stable, perhaps better quality OS. This scenario must be fairly common in that lots of non-techie people are so used to Windows that given a new OS, will simply find it too much hard work to learn its features, no matter how much better it is than Windows. I personally use Ubuntu, Mac and Windows and am happy in any of them - I use Ubuntu Server for backups, proxy, firewall, web filtering; Macs for the family (and I did flirt with them for a while); and Windows for me on the desktop. All OSs all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for some people it's just not worth the effort to switch to something unfamiliar. What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Mark. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Hi Mark, Can I just clarify... You have the opinion that people would find learning a different OS; and that you are basing this opinion on assumption that you think your dad would struggle to switch? It's intended as a positive criticism, but consider that most people don't view Operating Systems as we do - most people (as someone else in this thread mentioned) really don't care, nor are they even aware that Operating Systems exist as distinct entities. As long as the computer as a whole, they really don't care. And for the record, yes, my parents use Ubuntu and they aren't really aware (nor should they care) that it's Ubuntu. As far as they're concerned, it works for email and web. If they need some help, they ring me and I can ssh/vnc in and fix it/help them there and then - a convenient advantage. My suggestion: Challenge your current thinking, and see if it is really valid or not. Show your dad (, friends, extended family etc.) an Ubuntu live CD and let him make his mind up. If he's happy with what he has now, then great; If he would rather Linux, even better! Kris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Rob Beard wrote: Hmm, I can see your point in installing XP Pro, not sure if Microsoft will see the point unless it's a legal copy. It's a shame that Microsoft don't allow downgrades from Vista Home to XP Home. Anyway, yes I have managed to get an older non techie person onto Ubuntu. A friend of mine asked if I could sort his mum's PC out which had a pirate copy of XP on it. I suggested they try Ubuntu and if they're not happy with that it would be about £60 for a copy of XP Home. After a demonstration of Ubuntu Feisty he said he was happy for his mum to give it a go. All she does is browse the internet and check her e-mails. So anyway, I installed Ubuntu and delivered the PC. I took her through everything on the PC (took about an hour) and she was happy with it. In fact, she was so happy, he's asked me if I could install Ubuntu on her old PC for a friend of hers who just does word processing (although I think it'll have to be Xubuntu as it's an older PC). Forgot to add, because she has broadband I can connect in remotely via SSH/VNC to fix things although as she lives so close to my parents I generally pop over to fix things (touch wood, nothing has gone wrong yet). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Mark Allison wrote: Hi there My Dad bought a new PC last week, and me being the family geek, was asked to set it up for him. He has been using XP for the last five years or so and is reasonably happy with it, when it works. When I arrived to configure his new machine and move all his email, documents over it turned out that he had Windows Vista Home Premium installed. He was complaining a lot about it because he couldn't find things where he was used to looking for them, his scanner didn't work, and some less popular applications that he uses won't install on Vista either. So, I wiped the machine and at that point was tempted to offer Ubuntu to him, but at the same time I realised that the best OS for him was Windows XP. If he was getting lost in Windows Vista, what hope was there for him if he moved to Vista or a nice new iMac? So, I installed XP Pro and he is now very happy - the machine is a lot snappier as well. I know that he could spend some time learning a new OS, but a man in his 60s that uses the computer occasionally for the odd document, email and web browsing just doesn't want to invest the mental effort required to switch to a more stable, perhaps better quality OS. This scenario must be fairly common in that lots of non-techie people are so used to Windows that given a new OS, will simply find it too much hard work to learn its features, no matter how much better it is than Windows. I personally use Ubuntu, Mac and Windows and am happy in any of them - I use Ubuntu Server for backups, proxy, firewall, web filtering; Macs for the family (and I did flirt with them for a while); and Windows for me on the desktop. All OSs all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for some people it's just not worth the effort to switch to something unfamiliar. What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Mark. I have - on a few occasions. My 80-plus neighbour now dual boots Ubuntu and WinXP (mostly uses Ubuntu), A 60-plus friend down the road now has Ubuntu on his PC, and another 60-plus neighbour has Ubuntu on her Desktop. They all have small problems from time to time, but I'm happy to help. Also, my Mum uses Ubuntu on her laptop, my Aunt bought an Ubuntu'd Desktop from me and my brother uses Ubuntu on his desktop and laptop. Works still in progress are: lady down the road who cares for disadvantaged children (she's very interested), My Dad (stubborn, but he is beginning to see the light, and likes Compiz) and his new girlfriend (mum and dad being divorced); and her two girls. :-D i may be going a little OTT occasionally, but I don't force anyone, just strongly recommend. Daniel -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Eddie Armstrong wrote: Mark Allison wrote: Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? many of us *are* older, non-techie people :-) Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) ;-) Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) ;-) Mac We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
You can downgrade from vista to xp home legally, Regards, Daniel On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 11:29 +, Rob Beard wrote: My Dad bought a new PC last week, and me being the family geek, was -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
- Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Regards, Kirrus -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
On Dec 21, 2007 11:37 AM, Daniel Lamb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You can downgrade from vista to xp home legally, How? Ma would be delighted to do this - can you point me to any info on it (specifically pricing)... -- Steve When one person suffers from a delusion it is insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called Religion. 09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Regards, Kirrus Brilliant! You must be very young, or very techie, or both. ;-) Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. I think the categories are a bit broad - why not have 10 year gaps except the first gap?? You must be under 30 if you don't realise how big the gaps 31-50 and 51-70 are. Decades apart! And what's wrong with 71-80 then 80+ ? (no not me). And, to save us all being patronised to death, how about a 1- 10 for tech level? Forget about employment, education etc., it's nobody's business Hiya Mac not gonna let these whipper-snappers (under 30s) take us for granted on this list. I know there are some very 'techie' oldies here. Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
- Eddie Armstrong [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Kirrus wrote: Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. I think the categories are a bit broad - why not have 10 year gaps except the first gap?? You must be under 30 if you don't realise how big the gaps 31-50 and 51-70 are. Decades apart! And what's wrong with 71-80 then 80+ ? (no not me). Mainly, I picked larger gaps deliberately, because I didn't want to use too-small a selection, and have people pick the don't want to answer. As a rule, the younger generations are less likely you are to worry about giving out their age range, and this is more for broad demographics rather than small and detailed. (Each early option covers a life range: compulsory education almost certain live-at-home | almost-adult usually college/sixthform/uni, usually part live-at-home, part live away | adults, usually away from birth-home, but not always). Thinking about it, I probably should have picked 10 year jumps. 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) And, to save us all being patronised to death, how about a 1- 10 for tech level? Forget about employment, education etc., it's nobody's business Hence the don't want to answer option ;). Its there, as its a useful demographic stat: seeing in what stage of life each respondent is in, rather than their education level. I could add a tech level option, interesting idea. Generally, education level means nothing to techyness: I've got A-levels, no degrees, yet I was the only non-graduate interviewee for my current job. Hiya Mac not gonna let these whipper-snappers (under 30s) take us for granted on this list. I know there are some very 'techie' oldies here. Unfortunately, now we've got 20+ respondents, changing or adding to the poll isn't really feasible. I'd need to start a new one, and I'm not sure whether people would fill it all out all over again now. Maybe in a years time I'll re-run it :) Mac: I'm 20 (21 fairly soon), and yes, I'm very techie Kind Regards, Kirrus -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) I help a neighbour who is 80 - and there will be more of them soon :-) For the other categories 20 years is an enormous jump in age but I accept you can't change it easily. Still it's a bit of fun - it was nice of you to do it Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. Nice one, and thanks for the question on proximity to London. John (just turned 40, so get off my lawn, you damned kids!) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
On 21/12/2007, norman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) I help a neighbour who is 80 - and there will be more of them soon :-) For the other categories 20 years is an enormous jump in age but I accept you can't change it easily. Still it's a bit of fun - it was nice of you to do it Agreed, it is a bit of fun with a little, serious edge to it. My brother is a regular user and still does a bit of programming (approaching 73 years). I've given up programming but still enjoy pottering around with both software and hardware (approaching 80 years). Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ I'm 75 and programmed in fortran2 in 1971. Ubuntu is ok except that my memory is gone and I cannot remember procedures. But I find that for simple things, Ubuntu is straight forward and is ok for my guesses. Most of us just want googel and OOo and this should be the main promotional point - keep it simple and reliable. Robin -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) I help a neighbour who is 80 - and there will be more of them soon :-) For the other categories 20 years is an enormous jump in age but I accept you can't change it easily. Still it's a bit of fun - it was nice of you to do it Agreed, it is a bit of fun with a little, serious edge to it. My brother is a regular user and still does a bit of programming (approaching 73 years). I've given up programming but still enjoy pottering around with both software and hardware (approaching 80 years). Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) LOL you should get out more! :-) (see another post from me?) -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
- alan c [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. A thought - since I have been retired I have been so incredibly busy that I can not now imagine how I ever had any time for paid work. A vast slice of this activity is using and advocating FOSS and Ubuntu. The poll choice of 'Work' or 'Retired' is more than a little limited :-( I will use different options next time I run it, can't change them now. As I said earlier, will probably be this time next year till I run another poll. (Might have programmed / prepared a proper questionnaire on my personal site by then ;)) Kind Regards, Johnathon -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Great responses! Thanks everyone. I think it comes down to some people view their computer as a tool, and some people as a hobby. My Dad is certainly in the former and doesn't care what OS he is using as long as it does the stuff he wants. I'm sure that Ubuntu would do the stuff he wants, albeit in a different way, but he has learnt that way now, and doesn't want to invest time in learning a different way. I posted here because I know some of you are very enthusiastic about getting people to switch to Ubuntu, and I found it interesting that my Dad wanted XP back because Vista was too different. I'm sure if he had started on Ubuntu, he wouldn't switch to Windows (or Mac). He wasn't even seduced by my nice 20 iMac. Horses for courses... :-) Mark. On Dec 21, 2007 5:18 PM, norman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) I help a neighbour who is 80 - and there will be more of them soon :-) For the other categories 20 years is an enormous jump in age but I accept you can't change it easily. Still it's a bit of fun - it was nice of you to do it Agreed, it is a bit of fun with a little, serious edge to it. My brother is a regular user and still does a bit of programming (approaching 73 years). I've given up programming but still enjoy pottering around with both software and hardware (approaching 80 years). Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Kirrus wrote: - Mac [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Michael Holloway wrote: On Fri, 2007-12-21 at 12:01 +, Mac wrote: Yeah, Eddie! Let's hear it for us seriously ancient, technologically decrepit listees! (BTW, I wonder what the average age of the list actually is???) We should set up a poll on launchpad or whatever to find out :) Oh dear, we'll need someone young and techie to do that... ;-) http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/316250 Done ;) Poll started today, will close on January 31st, so get your votes in now! I'll post the results here. A thought - since I have been retired I have been so incredibly busy that I can not now imagine how I ever had any time for paid work. A vast slice of this activity is using and advocating FOSS and Ubuntu. The poll choice of 'Work' or 'Retired' is more than a little limited :-( -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Mark Allison wrote: [...] What do you think? Have many of you managed to get older, non-techie people to switch happily? Smirk (note1). I think the -motivation- to do something new on the computer is the primary issue, with -opportunity- being important too. Some people may not be motivated. Your Dad is happy because it is not he who puts effort into maintaining his PC! Who maintains it? :-) My friends and neighbours - mostly well over 60, and some mid 80s, get offered (k)ubuntu because my experience is that xp is far too difficult to maintain (by me!) and I also know that xp is unlikely to continue to work well over time. One elderly friend has a PII that I gave him, on dial up. It started a few years ago with win98 and was ok, basically only for email, for a while, but it soon needed visits from me. Even a short trip is inconvenient in a busy life. He agreed to try (suse 10.0, as it happened, at the time) and it was not hard to get started at all. The places to click onto looked different, etc, but it did not take long - he was already a seasoned (if limited) computer user. Like me, he also wanted an improved system, he was motivated because he had seen the problems windows gave him. I visit occasionally, to help with updates on CD, but the system is perfectly stable and works. Another similar aged friend has a similar machine from me but has remained on windows 98. I would say she is a more deliberate and careful user of mouse and keyboard - again limited use only of email. Nothing has gone wrong over a few years, apart from a dialup modem card replacement. She is not at all motivated to change, nor have I recommended it because she has had no problems at all. This is a case of 'windows got there first'. A near neighbour who is a heavier PC user recently bought a Dell desktop with my help. One of the final Dell XP good deals. It was not politically appropriate to wipe the XP, and anyway she had a lot of games and accounts stuff in DOS and windows. Very much appreciating good security, she uses what she calls the 'Kubunti' side of the dual boot for any email and internet stuff, keeping windows for non internet legacy things. As her main support agency, I also emphasise that I cannot undertake to keep windows healthy if it is used for internet stuff. Another elderly friend who was a public library PC user bought a dell laptop a year ago and I helped get it working, sorting out the amazing crapware, and getting broadband. Soon after this he met a friend who was selling an older dell desktop for 50 pounds and bought it also. It was easy to get acceptance for a Kubuntu dual boot on the desktop and this became his main machine! The laptop was in intermittent use, but has recently siezed up to operate at a totally impossible crawl. It will need sorting, but meantime he began to *ask* for Kubuntu also on the laptop. The bad news is that the printer he proudly bought happens to be a Lexmark 4300 all in one. I am still struggling to get this working with linux. He knows better, now though. Another elderly friend - a very alert and systematic woman - has had laptops for several years, supported by me. Still XP but she discovered Open Office rules over MS Works a while ago and was amazed at OO as much as surprised by the limitations of Works and also appreciates the social power of open source. Firefox and Thunderbird are now being happily used for reason of improved security. Kubuntu is known about but the effort of getting used to the change is not yet worth it. Currently she is on a holiday island off africa, with no PC. Windows got there first, but open source is deliberately and linux activerly is seen and beckons. I help a local charity for learning difficulty adults. The (near retirement) manager is strongly windows (too much effort to re learn, and percieved risk), but my offer to install a few free recycled PCs (with edubuntu ) was readily accepted particulaly when it was seen to be so reliable and with so many fun kids games. I did take a leap of faith on hios part to say yes initially. Maybe I have a trustworthy face? One of the first things I did was to layout a folded leaflet on one of the PCs using Open Office, Something the boss was having difficulty doing with Word on his 'proper' PC. All the PCs internet available and I plan to put dans guardian on the network when I can. BTW the users had not a single comment about screen layout or anything. Immediate usage. Gui is an ituitive thing. No problems either with the unsupervised PCs so far - 4 months I think maybe more. Viva Edubuntu! Windows did get there first, but is loosing ground rapidly here. I have a lot of experience with older people and PCs - set up and ran the Age Concern Berkshire's web access 'cafe' for several years, with volunteers helping me. Several thousand client hour sessions were taken. Unfortunately the political, social and economic inertia was in
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
- alan c [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Kirrus wrote: 70+ was because I know very few people older than 70 who will go near a computer, and that is past normal retirement age (~65) LOL you should get out more! :-) (see another post from me?) 'Getting out more' is a little hard where I am at the moment. (Stuck in a small village, with very limited public transport. Nabbing a lift to get home, when I come back I've got to use a taxi to get back to the village.) :P Kirrus -- Blog: http://www.kirrus.co.uk UK Plone Hosting: http://www.plone-hosting.co.uk RPGs: Captain Senaris Vlenn, CO, USS Sarek Lt Aieron Peters, XO DS5 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
alan c wrote: snip lots snip Alan really interesting post! I'm not Ubuntu savvy enough to helpmuch but I am learning The 80 year old neighbour of mine that I help uses XP (and would never switch); he gave me enough of an earful when his Outlook crashed and Windows told us to re-install Windows - I said I wouldn't do that just to fix an Outlook problem and instead would he try Firefox and Thunderbird. He complained about ''buttons missing' until after he got used to them now he never mentions it. another neighbour asked for help using Vista as he was used to Xp but his new PC came with Vista. I had to decline as I don't know vista. I have a few family members I help (all Windows) but later, when I know how to do it, I hope to connect to them over the net and help support their linux boxes (after first converting them of course :-) Having had experience of working with charities I know what they can be like regarding the status quo - Ialways wonder if they are doing the right thing regarding their funding by using MS. I'm not yet retired but think it would be a great thing to do what you are doing when I do retire. Maybe the Government should be subsidising al the oldies who are changing the software of Britain's retirees! Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Eddie Armstrong wrote: Maybe the Government should be subsidising al the oldies who are changing the software of Britain's retirees You know you're getting old when you start replying to yourself! It would be a good idea to have a charity whose remit was to help retired and others with software support (especially if part of that remit was to encourage the take-up of FOSS). Think how much this would save pensioners, etc. It would also be very amusing if a FOSS revolutions takes place in the UK because of all the oldies not the youngies :-) Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Eddie Armstrong wrote: alan c wrote: snip lots snip Alan really interesting post! (thanks) I'm not yet retired but think it would be a great thing to do what you are doing when I do retire. If you get half a chance yes I would strongly encourage you - do it! I do other stuff too - talks to computer clubs, local computer fairs etc and exhibitions too (linuxworld etc) if I get the chance. For me it is on of the best things I have ever done. It is also great to be part of a such a time of change. -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Why some people will never switch
Eddie Armstrong wrote: Eddie Armstrong wrote: Maybe the Government should be subsidising al the oldies who are changing the software of Britain's retirees You know you're getting old when you start replying to yourself! It would be a good idea to have a charity whose remit was to help retired and others with software support (especially if part of that remit was to encourage the take-up of FOSS). Think how much this would save pensioners, etc. It would also be very amusing if a FOSS revolutions takes place in the UK because of all the oldies not the youngies :-) LOL It depends a lot on the 'support' structures including lots of friends or family members (FOFMs) who will set the scene and keep it rolling. Certainly the door is open now thanks to vista :-) -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
