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Re: [LUG] Spreading the Linux gospel

 

george parker wrote:
> On Tuesday 19 January 2010, John Hansen wrote:
>> On 19/01/2010 17:31, Neil Winchurst wrote:
>>> There have been several emails about getting more people to move over to
>>>   Linux. I have recently installed Linux on a laptop for my brother who
>>> wanted to try it. I have also talked about the move across to several
>>> friends. May I add my two pennyworth?
> 
>> snip
>>
>> Neil,
>>
>> I think you hit the nail on the head! There are far too many options and
>> the file system leaves me cold.
>> I like my A,B,C,D,E,F drives! Why OH why does Linux need to make every
>> thing so complicated?
>>
>> I would have thought the two types of Linux would suffice i.e. Gnome and
>> KDE. the motto being:
>> KISS (keep it simple stupid).
>>
>> John W Hansen (who uses both Windows XP and Kubuntu)
> 
> I can't agree John.  The last windows I used with any regularity was XP which 
> started to ram itself down your throat as you tried to do things.  I now look 
> at a friends Vista and the the thing is a complicated mess.  The only way 
> that they can use it is by learning things by rote.  I can only do anything 
> useful with it by digging out windows explorer and having a look at the 
> structure. Generally there is no basic understanding and that is what gives 
> us a problem when selling Linux.
> 
> You liked your A, B, C drives; how is that easier than a home directory plus a 
> dvd and floppy drives? (When did you last use your A drive/floppy?)  How does 
> a USB drive coming up as drive G work out as easier than "Kingston" which is 
> written all over the drive?
> 
> Older users in general (including me) only know how to use part of the 
> technology they own but, for instance, they still want the latest phone or 
> TV.  We have to be educated or take the trouble to find out for our selves, 
> and the older you get the less inclined you are to learn new things (I'm 
> great at generalisations).  It's tough going getting someone like that to 
> change or even take an interest.  I've only managed it once and she is a 
> solicitor who now uses Microsoft at work and PCLinuxOS at home.  In 3 years 
> she has done updates and I haven't had to touch the Linux.
> 
> Kids are different.  They will soak it up, if in the mood, but if they don't 
> see it as cool or it's different from their mates then forget it.  But they 
> are the way forward and should be our main target IMHO.
> 
> My oldest son, who went to Plymouth Uni and now works for Vodaphone says "No 
> way, I live in the real world".  I've given up on him. At 46 it's too much 
> hassle in a busy life.  Unless he has to do it as part of the job.  But if 
> I'm around when his 2 daughters are about 12 or even before then I'll give it 
> a go.  A nice little netbook to start off with I think..........now what 
> distro.......
> 
> George
> 
> 
> 
Young and Old.
Biggest problem is getting DVDs playing on a new convert's Linux systems.

No DVD play on insert - they don't want to know.

PS also me, I had DVDs working in SUSE 11.1 but not yet got it sorted in
11.2. As I did a new install rather than an upgrade by choice.
-- 
Regards
Eion MacDonald

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