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On Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:55:44 +0000
Simon Robert wrote:
> this is the problem. even the poster will be confusing. a use linux
> poster pretty much amounts to a "Use a PC" poster, because one someone
> asks "OK I'll try linux" you'll have to go off on a "do you want to
> use Redhat, Kubuntu, Mint, Ubuntu, Slackware" converstion by which
> time your questioner will have given up and gone home.
>
> OK. Ubuntu is not the only distro, but it is easy to use, easy to
> install and easy to demo. If you manage to get someone to use it that
> is the time to explain there are other distros. That is the time to
> get into the ideological angels dancing on home made CDs.
Or... and this is just a suggestion here...
USER: Yeah, I'll give Linux a try.
LUG Member: Ok, since this is your first Linux adventure, I'd recommend
Ubuntu. There are others around, and you're welcome to
give them a go, but for now I'd recommend Ubuntu to start
with.
USER: OK, cool.
> Keep it simple! Here is an easy to use, install OS that will do
> everything you need and it is free! Questions about why is it free and
> so on will follow. Once people are using linux they may, or may not
> (my mother and next door neighbour (happy users of ubuntu and kubuntu
> respectively) show a marked reluctance to hear me explain about other
> distros they might like - "no Simon, what you installed works great is
> there any pressing reason why I need to switch again?". Once they have
> software installed that does all the stuff they need they're not even
> interested in looking at alternative apps (unlike you and me whole
> download anything to take a look at it).
>
> For most people OS's and apps are as enthralling as makes of
> dishwashers. This is what needs to be remembered when trying to "flog"
> linux. "Here is a cheaper slicker free dishwasher" - great! "I can
> offer you a choice of 15 free dishwashers, some have copyright
> components, some don't". "Some of them will be trickier to use than
> your current one, but you'll catch on fast..." - don't think so.
>
> Simon
I agree. No need to overwhelm the user in the initial stages, but
equally this is not an Ubuntu User Group, so giving people 1 option is
not really acceptable. *Recommending* a specific option and hinting at
the fact that there are others could well work though.
Grant.
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