Re: [LUG] Are we too technical for our own good ?

On 5/11/07, viv.griffin@xxxxxxxxx <viv.griffin@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

----- Original Message ----
From: Robin Menneer < robinmenneer@xxxxxxxxx>
To: list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, 10 May, 2007 6:29:19 PM
Subject: Re: [LUG] Are we too technical for our own good ?

On 5/10/07, Viv Griffin <vh_griffin@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

----- Original Message ----
From: Robin Menneer <robinmenneer@xxxxxxxxx>
To: list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, 10 May, 2007 3:51:26 PM
Subject: Re: [LUG] Are we too technical for our own good ?

On 5/10/07, Viv Griffin <viv.griffin@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I think that what beginners need is very specific online instructions about how to do things / sort out problems. Explanation is very important, bearing in mind how similar issues would have been handled under Windows.

Once of the first things I installed under Ubuntu was Automatix to help me install other things (yes, including proprietary drivers). The instructions on the site are really clear and easy to follow. The only thing I didn't really understand is why I needed it in the first place.

Once of the main problems is understanding the basic differences between Linux and Windows. Perhaps a book like "Ubuntu For Dummies" explains things at the right sort of level ? I don't think I need it now but, could have done with it 8 months ago. It is an interesting point that such a book has been written at all but, Amazon do have it !

I have been thinking of writing a sort of "Read Me First" document for complete beginners that perhaps we could refer new members to if it seemed appropriate. I have an IT training background so, should be able to make an acceptable job of it. It may help to "jump start" new members like Tom's mum to a level where they can understand at least some of what is being discussed and help them with their Linux experience as well.

This may make a "newbie" list unnecessary. However, to do a reasonable job of it will take me a while so, do let me know what you think ?

Viv

The last thing I want is a jump-start in to areas that I am not currently interested in.
I need to first develop a good relationship with the basics like using OOo and its attendant files. Robin

Thanks Robin - although I am sure that you did not mean it to be, this response from you could be read as a little negative. My suggestion wasn't necessarily intended to help you personally but, those who are quite new to Linux (or very new) and want to take advantage of any help on offer. Not everybody will need it or want it - I realise that. Viv

No offence intended, sorry. I am very new to Linux and am approaching it as a tool to help me with my voluntary work for the Guild of Cornish Hedgers (which takes up all my time). Is this lack of IT enterprise a henious sin ? Robin

That's OK. By the way, how do you find OO after MS Office. I tried using Base (as I used to use MS Access a lot) but, found it quite flakey and my database kept going corrupt so, I gave up with it. The spreadsheet and word processor are fine though.

Never had much to do with Windows having come up with IMSI Publisher (away before its time), Jetsetter for Dos (bankrupted by Windows) and Word Perfect for Dos (updates got expensive) and Suse (went comercial and now in bed with Windows). OO I find less intuitive than WP but with comparable facilities. What is so briliant is the way that I can throw a Draw doc around inside a Write doc without corrupting the format. Ideal for illustrating a text with photos and drawings. The spreadsheet is ok the little I've used it but I find that Table does alot of the spreadsheet work better. Had no experience with Base and am sorry to hear it is not reliable. What I want is software that is reliable, free and friendly. and my brief acquaintance with Ubuntu seems to fit the bill, despite all the scary stories I read on this List.

--
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