On 28/06/12 22:49, Andres wrote:
I have just been to a local neighbourhood community [0] meeting and
thought ann IT workshop would help out. The group already does workshops
relating to gardening, bicycle maintenance and such.
My question is: how do I propose it in your experience?
What I have for the moment is an old laptop,
I would like to order a bunch ubuntu CDs if I can to hand out
I know my way around computers but I'm not a professional but I think I
have a lot of patience explaining IT stuff to children and adults.
I like talking to people about using libreoffice instead of MS office,
ubuntu instead of windows,...
The community can offer an enclosed place "The little House" or the
library. Both can take about 10 people.
Would it be best to start with something simple? or look alliance with
some other community that already exists and are looking for a place to
do some sort of mini workshop. This is what they did with the bicycle
workshop.
So I was asked to source some info to take back to the meeting for next
month. Can someone point me in the right direction?
[0] http://www.hamunitedgroup.org.uk
I run a couple of Libre Computing groups in my nearby clubs (U3A as it
happens, aimed at older and retired people, like me....)(some members
can barely walk). I chose the name carefully because I am not
motivated to continue helping with the everlasting Windows problems
people have (note).
http://www.bracknellu3a.org.uk/ComputerLibre.html
http://www.wokinghamu3a.org.uk/Computing_Libre.html
Web Manager typos and web page design style aside, you will see that
they are strongly Ubuntu centric, although retain flexibility. The
clubs have a thousand members or more and I quickly found up to a
dozen people interested in each group (1%). Some only wanted (ubuntu)
dual boot install, but are not into attending the meetings - ok with
me - others are still using Windows but are keen enough to attend most
meets. Some are ex IT admin variously or serious tech types. None
would even consider a LUG, I suggest leave any such thoughts for a
later date. Not even forums in most cases. It is surprising how much
people like to gather and chat face to face. Just listen and help.
Initially I did live cd demonstrations and talked. I only use Ubuntu,
no Windows for many years now, but I understand its siren pull. One
person used a live usb (with help to create one) for many months then
installed dual boot. And continued even when some Windows related
security sw gave us serious trouble. Ended up using clonezilla by
themselves to image a good PC state to make reinstall of whatever
much easier. Impressive, but just needed a bit of chat and confidence.
Topics are wide, but discussions are group introduced - with a little
prompting, it works well. I see my basic role as Ubuntu (FLOSS) support.
Internet access will be important.
Any more Q's?
Note: Time was, I helped 1000's of novice users with Windows by
creating and running the age concern berkshire Computer Centre (Part
of the then UKOnline facility)--
alan cocks
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