D&C GLug - Home Page

[ Date Index ] [ Thread Index ] [ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]

Re: [LUG] Helping newbies

 

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
> 

I tend to agree with Neil. Much "help" is too sophisticated for newbies.
I would expect to be able to download programmes from the web to my 
Kubuntu PC and then for it to install without further action.

John ( virtually nearly newbie)

-- 
The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG
http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list
FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html