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Neil Winchurst wrote:
> There has been a lot of correspondence recently about FLOSS in schools
> and some about encouraging Windows users to try Linux.
>
> The other day I decided that I would like to look at VirtualBox. Here
> is how it went.
>
> Use google to find the relevant web site. In the download page find a
> version for my distro (Kubuntu Edgy). Download file to my home folder.
> Try to install it using R/click -> Kubuntu Package Menu -> Install
> Package. Fail because of two missing files (not installed). Use
> Adept Manager to find the files and install them. Try to install
> the package again. Fail because the two files are not configured.
> Open up a terminal screen and run sudo dpkg --configure -a. Try install
> again. Success.
>
> My point? I succeeded without any help because I am not new to Linux. I
> have used Linux exclusively for more than six years, and Kubuntu for
> the last sixteen months. (I am not saying for a moment that I am an
> expert, far from it, just that I now have a little experience.)
>
> I suggest that a newbie would have needed some help in the above
> situation. (Not so long ago *I* would have needed help.) So I am
> wondering, with all this talk about encouraging people to move across
> to Linux (which I agree with entirely) are we ready to give plenty
> of time and help to those newcomers? Because to be successful they
> are going to need it.
>
> I would be interested to hear any comments from anyone?
>
> Neil Winchurst
>
>
Hi Neil,
I offer a service to build machines for anyone who shows the
slightest interest in Linux and had a mixed bag of results with the
machines. I have a set of "Key" questions before I launch in to why
Linux is for them as mostly the New users are migrating from M$ due to
Machine Crash and License Error. They first pick up on the "Free" bit
the I show them the PC in the Shop and they comment on "how good it
looks" and "It's just like 'Windows' " but the you get into the questions
Will it run my Printer?
Will it run my USB Modem
Will it do my PDA?
Will it do SatNav?
I have a USB 'Whatever' will it work?
I 'Must use M$ Office' (even though the copy they have is unlicensed)!
I very often at this point try to judge the 'type' of user in this case
and mostly relent, put my enthusiasm for Linux away and order a OEM M$
disk at about £65 and just do a Std Windows PC. I have now got 7
definite converts in the last year but most I know just put up with
things "as they are" and do not delve in to change, update, or add new
software as that is not the M$ way.
My most recent ihas a Lexmark Z515 printer and a TomTom I have built a
2nd hand PC all in for £50.0 and will help to set these things up and
The internet (only with a Router) included in the cost.
B.T.W BT when told he has a Linux PC says that "Linux is not able to
be installed on BT Broadband? Possibly not! (if you don't get this
message then they have cut off my 7 pc's on a BT connection), as the CD
that come with the package is just full of user manipulation. I hope
they havn't locked the "HomeHub" down so you can't access it form sw
other than IE and BT!-
Regards: Kevin Lucas Post Master (Sub) Minions Shop & Tea Rooms Minions
Liskeard Cornwall PL14 5LE www.minionsbandb.co.uk
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