rdd
August 16th, 2006, 10:01 AM
Preface: I believe that two things about Ubuntu and Linux in general are true:
Ubuntu is a great Operating System for the average computer user. It is more secure and easier to use. Read these forums and you will notice that most problems stem from doing more ambitious stuff with your computer. I mean the user that has a simple computer (2-3 years old) and uses it for word-processing, eMail, web-browsing, loading images off their digicam and maybe im-ing. For that user, Linux is the better choice.
The time to spread Linux is NOW. We are at the crossroads. Once everyone is convinced that the castrated kind of computer that MS and the content industry want to create is normal, the battle is lost.
Installing Ubuntu is quite easy but I still wouldn't trust my mum with moving all her data and finding the right programs to use. However, if I sit next to her, walk her through this and take an hour afterwards to explain how to get around, she will be off into a bright Linux future.
So I was thinking of a service where 'seasoned' Ubuntu-users could register. And regular computer users, scared of taking on the installation on their own could get into contact with them. Perhaps sort it by country/area. I for one would be most happy to help someone install Ubuntu in and around Kiel (that's where I live) if they offer me a cup of coffee in exchange. The forums and IRC are great for people who are at home on the net but the described average user probably knows only eMail as a form of online communication.
I would be very interested in some thoughts on this.
rdd
Ubuntu is a great Operating System for the average computer user. It is more secure and easier to use. Read these forums and you will notice that most problems stem from doing more ambitious stuff with your computer. I mean the user that has a simple computer (2-3 years old) and uses it for word-processing, eMail, web-browsing, loading images off their digicam and maybe im-ing. For that user, Linux is the better choice.
The time to spread Linux is NOW. We are at the crossroads. Once everyone is convinced that the castrated kind of computer that MS and the content industry want to create is normal, the battle is lost.
Installing Ubuntu is quite easy but I still wouldn't trust my mum with moving all her data and finding the right programs to use. However, if I sit next to her, walk her through this and take an hour afterwards to explain how to get around, she will be off into a bright Linux future.
So I was thinking of a service where 'seasoned' Ubuntu-users could register. And regular computer users, scared of taking on the installation on their own could get into contact with them. Perhaps sort it by country/area. I for one would be most happy to help someone install Ubuntu in and around Kiel (that's where I live) if they offer me a cup of coffee in exchange. The forums and IRC are great for people who are at home on the net but the described average user probably knows only eMail as a form of online communication.
I would be very interested in some thoughts on this.
rdd