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Re: [LUG] Helping newbies

 

Quoting Neil Winchurst <neil@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

> 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

But wasn't the idea of getting people to try VirtualBox on Windows, so  
they could still run Windows but give Linux a try without having to  
dual boot?

(Personally I think dishing out Live CDs would be easier than trying  
to explain how to use VirtualBox for non-techie users).

Rob






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