Newbies haven't heard of Linux

[pixelblip]

Hi there
Excuse my post if this is a dead horse!

I'm slowly putting people onto Ubuntu. People who have been brainwashed to use XP like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The trouble is most of them haven't even heard of Linux. Wow. Non technical people don't know what Linux is at all. How do you go about spreading the word.....so many people haven't even heard of Linux or don't know what it is. Talk about a monopoly.

I have installed Linux to 6 people's home pcs so far. Skype was a problem in a fair few.....I hope Ubuntu can sort that out with webcam issues.........we came across a few problems with microphones not working e.t.c This really puts off beginners.

Thing is we all know Ubuntu is getting better and better. I explain to the new users that everyone has devoted shed loads of time to get where we are........so this post is a thanks and a big shout to everyone in the community for getting us this far ):P

Let's hope we can show more people the way and get our webcams sorted out!

[szymon_g]

(..)I'm slowly putting people onto Ubuntu. People who have been brainwashed to use XP(..)The trouble is most of them haven't even heard of Linux. Wow. Non technical people don't know what Linux is at all. How do you go about spreading the word.....so many people haven't even heard of Linux or don't know what it is.(..)
Let's hope we can show more people the way and get our webcams sorted out!

now, let someone tell me that linuxism isn't a bit sectarian

[Thewhistlingwind]

now, let someone tell me that linuxism isn't a bit sectarian

Well, of course it is.

How else do you think ubuntu got all it's users without advertising? (GNU/Linux in general drew off an already existing demographic of Unix experts, then built from there.)

[krapp]

now, let someone tell me that linuxism isn't a bit sectarian

What's bad about that?

[Tibuda]

don't preach

[rg4w]

People who have been brainwashed to use XP like Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Respectfully, thinking of a potential Linux user as a zombie starts things off on the wrong foot. Some people actually like XP, and some need it to run specific apps that simply aren't available for Linux.

And as much as you and I enjoy Ubuntu, on some hardware it requires folks to learn an awful lot about how computers work. Some just want to get their work done and don't really care about the 1s and 0s, and since most manufacturers build specifically for Windows it'll be a while before there are enough Linux drivers to make the experience as smooth with Ubuntu for as many different machines.

Patience, Grasshopper. Microsoft market share is falling every year, and a chunk of that is discovering Linux. The tide will turn, but it will take time.


Non technical people don't know what Linux is at all. How do you go about spreading the word.....so many people haven't even heard of Linux or don't know what it is. Talk about a monopoly.There is no monopoly on our minds. :)

There are many ways to spread Ubuntu. You might consider starting an Ubuntu Hour (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Hour) in your community. We started one in my neighborhood and have had two of them thus far. It's been really nice to meet other local Ubuntu fans, and it doesn't hurt mindshare to have a cafe full of people wearing Ubuntu t-shirts.

And there are a million other things to do. If you write applications, make a Linux version. If you make your web site with Ubuntu, consider putting a "Made with Ubuntu" graphic on it. If you participate in local professional groups, consider making a presentation on how Ubuntu has helped the work you do.

Direct evangelism is often problematic because the one thing we know about a computer user is that they already have an OS. Sometimes they like it. Rarely are they in a position to consider switching easily.

So maybe more effective is just to do great work and let people know how Ubuntu helps you do it. This approach means they're coming to you with questions, rather than you going to them with an answer to a question they may not have.

This site has some useful materials for spreading Ubuntu:
http://spreadubuntu.org/

[Thewhistlingwind]

To think of this in a better way, whats the most annoying kind of advertising in your life? I'd say that topping most peoples list are the groups that COME TO YOUR DOOR and ask you to join something.

These guys are famous for being unrelenting, nonnegotiable, and immovable. So why would you emulate the tactics that annoy you so much? Personally, I was basically open source before moving to Linux, every program I used was free software, and it made switching really easy, because I didn't need to try and bring a proprietary app that didn't want to go with me.

If you really want to help people switch to Linux, go look at the functionality people say that Linux is missing, and make an effort to add it. This alone will do leaps and bounds for getting users to switch.

[Dustin2128]

I don't really care that much about converting others to linux. The people that really bother me though are the people who have heard of ubuntu but not linux if you know what I mean. (Yes, they exist)

[Legendary_Bibo]

I thought about taking my grandparent's computer one time and slapping on a distro, and making things really simple (Linux would have more speed on this thing). My grandma has to be reminded how to get to the internet and the email all the time (the only thing they use it for besides some old casino games my grandpa plays on it). So I would seriously get rid of anything confusing and just have big icons that say "Click here for intertubes guys" (that's what they keep calling it). Also, another button for email, and then see if his casino games work under wine, and I would transfer their files over then reshape nautilus so it only has the buttons they would use and bookmarks to only the important folders. Is it dumbed down? Maybe, but my grandparents took a class to learn windows and are still completely lost and don't seem to want to teach themselves about the computer so why not make everything simple? Why not give them only stuff they would use?

[Irihapeti]

I thought about taking my grandparent's computer one time and slapping on a distro, and making things really simple (Linux would have more speed on this thing). My grandma has to be reminded how to get to the internet and the email all the time (the only thing they use it for besides some old casino games my grandpa plays on it). So I would seriously get rid of anything confusing and just have big icons that say "Click here for intertubes guys" (that's what they keep calling it). Also, another button for email, and then see if his casino games work under wine, and I would transfer their files over then reshape nautilus so it only has the buttons they would use and bookmarks to only the important folders. Is it dumbed down? Maybe, but my grandparents took a class to learn windows and are still completely lost and don't seem to want to teach themselves about the computer so why not make everything simple? Why not give them only stuff they would use?

I think that something like that could work, but it would have to be done in the right way.

Firstly, let them know what you're doing. Sneaking an OS onto someone else's machine is a very fast track to unpopularity.

Secondly, sell it to them in terms of advantages to them, not to you. (OK, the rules change a bit if you are expected to be maintenance person.) You could tell them about being able to customise stuff to make it super-easy to use, for example. BUT, be sure that you aren't just assuming what's important to them. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.

Thirdly, I'd say that people are probably more comfortable with trying something new if they don't feel stuck with it if they don't like it. You could say "try this for a fortnight, and if it's truly awful for you, we'll put the old version back on again."

Incidentally, I've heard about a computer repair/maintenance guy who does this where I live. If he finds that someone only uses a computer for internet and email, for example, he'll set them up with a simple Linux system. I don't know any more about it than that, but I gather that people are happy with what he does.

[Bandit]

Is there anybody out there? :???:

[Swagman]

About the Ubuntu hour...

I have worn my Ubuntu hoody to Alton Towers (http://www.altontowers.com) and have hd the donut seller comment "Nice hoody mate, I am learning Unix & Linux in Uni and have heard great things about Ubuntu"

There was a large queue behind me and the front ones heard our brief conversation about Ubuntu Linux

I wear my Ubuntu baseball cap everywhere as well... Whilst in a queue at a fatal accident on the M5 I was talking to people who were standing by their cars and a fair few commented on my cap and that are debating changing over if (usual line) "I could get my iTunes to work"

I wear my (ubuntu) cap and T-shirt when we go shopping @ Serpentine Green (http://www.serpentine-green.com/shops/index.html) and have been accosted by computer stall vendors and the juniors have interrupted the main dude (noticing my apparel) saying "he doesn't need any help with virus's & stuff, He's using Linux" !!

Other people notice.... The seed has been planted.. Time will lead them to us

I've often thought about getting that Ubuntu Lycra cycling Jersey and entering as a "Team Ubuntu" in the London marathon or such. Shame I'm a crap runner though

[BigCityCat]

This is no lie. I have asked quite a few people what version of windows they are using and they don't know.

[screaminj3sus]

I think that something like that could work, but it would have to be done in the right way.

Firstly, let them know what you're doing. Sneaking an OS onto someone else's machine is a very fast track to unpopularity.

Secondly, sell it to them in terms of advantages to them, not to you. (OK, the rules change a bit if you are expected to be maintenance person.) You could tell them about being able to customise stuff to make it super-easy to use, for example. BUT, be sure that you aren't just assuming what's important to them. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.

Thirdly, I'd say that people are probably more comfortable with trying something new if they don't feel stuck with it if they don't like it. You could say "try this for a fortnight, and if it's truly awful for you, we'll put the old version back on again."

Incidentally, I've heard about a computer repair/maintenance guy who does this where I live. If he finds that someone only uses a computer for internet and email, for example, he'll set them up with a simple Linux system. I don't know any more about it than that, but I gather that people are happy with what he does.

Yeah I find the only less computer literate users who can really be successfully converted to linux are the total noobs who use their computer in a very limited way, like email and browsing.

If you try to switch over anyone who is computer-illiterate, but does more than just email and browsing and would be the type to try and install software you will probably run into all sorts of trouble (they will try and download and install windows software onto it and such)

[Timmer1240]

This is no lie. I have asked quite a few people what version of windows they are using and they don't know.

Ive noticed this ALOT when talking to people they have no clue weather its XP Vista Or 7.Then I think to myself theres no way they can learn Linux if they dont even know anything about what they use now!My Wife my friends and relatives get some malware on their PC all they know what to do is dial the phone and call ME up absolutely no interest in being able to solve THEIR Problems!Actually I enjoy helping but it gets to be a pain sometimes! My wife is starting to appreciate Linux now because her laptop gets slow and my PC is always blazingly fast she runs Win 7 and I currently run Mint Debian She will come around eventually and let me set up a duel boot on it!

[Bandit]

I never force anyone onto using linux that has a functional desktop running windows or not. But I also make it abundantly clear I dont mess with windows of any version without charging a hefty premium.

Those who I have introduced Linux to had solid working machines that just got viruses or hdd went down and they no longer have windows disc. Pretty much any single core system at around 1.8Ghz or faster with about 2GB RAM will run linux and gnome desktop just fine. So far everyone with the exception of one of my uncles actually liked it after a few days of getting used to it and were very happy to get another 5 years from their current system.

[pixelblip]

All your comments are most interesting. I often ask people what are you using - XP / Vista - they just don't know!.

I put Ubuntu on my Dad's pc when he was away and he came back and said yeh it's great I really admire it but my snooker147 game doesn't run like it did in Windows e.t.c

Anyway I left it 6 months then when he went away again I re-installed Ubuntu and skinned it like XP with a script I found. I took the time to make the icons look the same e.t.c
Now he's using Ubuntu again and lovin' it. It's funny just putting a Start menu and Bliss on the background makes all the difference for a newbie. I've done that for a few people so they don't feel completely out of touch with the os.

I'm considering holding lunchtime classes in my school to show people there is an alternative that doesn't mean spending a grand on an Imac. I've offered free technical help to those who I manage to move over and I give away free pcs (perfectly good p4s with xubuntu on them ) so I do try to do my bit.

Being able to remote into someone's pc easily is quite important when converting someone - I've used Teamplayer to do that. That has been a lifesaver.

I do find personally that most people I encounter want to just get on Youtube, facebook, email....watch some tv.........Internet shopping.....Skype. Android does it on their phones.........it will be really interesting to see how it all pans out and what happens with Ubuntu.

[NormanFLinux]

Install GNOME 2 and run the GNOMEXP script. Don't tell the old folks its not really Windows - unless they find out there's no C: drive! :D

[Timmer1240]

Install GNOME 2 and run the GNOMEXP script. Don't tell the old folks its not really Windows - unless they find out there's no C: drive! :D

I created another user on mine set it up to look like windows 7 so when my nephew wants to use it he wont feel lost my account I got set up to Kinda look like a mac bar on top Apple Icons cairo dock its fun to disguise it!

[rg4w]

About the Ubuntu hour...

I have worn my Ubuntu hoody to Alton Towers (http://www.altontowers.com) and have hd the donut seller comment "Nice hoody mate, I am learning Unix & Linux in Uni and have heard great things about Ubuntu"

There was a large queue behind me and the front ones heard our brief conversation about Ubuntu Linux

I wear my Ubuntu baseball cap everywhere as well... Whilst in a queue at a fatal accident on the M5 I was talking to people who were standing by their cars and a fair few commented on my cap and that are debating changing over if (usual line) "I could get my iTunes to work"

I wear my (ubuntu) cap and T-shirt when we go shopping @ Serpentine Green (http://www.serpentine-green.com/shops/index.html) and have been accosted by computer stall vendors and the juniors have interrupted the main dude (noticing my apparel) saying "he doesn't need any help with virus's & stuff, He's using Linux" !!

Other people notice.... The seed has been planted.. Time will lead them to us
Nice. Thanks for posting that.