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Re: [LUG] Linux Training

 
On 21/01/18 11:52, Neil wrote:
Recently I met a newcomer to this area who turned out to be a Linux user. He told me that he carries round a USB stick with a live version on Linux on it so that he can demonstrate it to anyone who asks about it.

This got me thinking. I read recently that Linux has about 3% of the desktop usage now, which seems very low. Yet how do we help to increase that? I know that if someone came up to me to ask me if would be willing to teach them to use Linux, I would be a bit baffled and worried. Where would I start?

There are so many questions. A new computer, an old one, dual boot? Which distro? Should I install Linux first for them or should that be part of the learning process? That is just for starters.

I believe that some members of the list are keen about getting more people across to the Linux world. So I am asking, does anyone have any experience in this area? Any pointers, suggestions please?

Thanks,

Neil

Hi Neil,

My vote added to those for Mint as the distro, however prior to that I would suggest advising them to install and start using Libre Office, Thunderbird and Firefox all of which have Windows versions. That way when they do make the change to Linux they will already be familiar with the default email, browser and office packages, which will ease the transition. I agree with others who recommend dual booting in the first instance so that the user can identify any additional programs they use and Linux equivalents; they can also resolve any lingering hardware peripheral issues such as printers, scanners etc. As for other hardware issues, other replies have already addressed that.

Kind regards,

Julian
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