Tux for Troops

[bwhite82]

Alright....so I have this idea. I wanna send linux cds to troops overseas complete with install instructions, etc. I've met my fair share of those who are fed up with Windows while I was in. Was thinking maybe 3 "flavors" per box, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Haven't really worked out any details yet, this is just an initial idea I'm floating around. Perhaps: Ubuntu/Knoppix/Gentoo?

It would start out small of course, as many like endeavors usually do.

What do you guys think?

PS: Please leave political/war discussion elsewhere. This is simply something kind I wish to do for fellow soldiers and gain some linux converts in the process.

[Linuxratty]

Actually,I like the idea,but who will fund it?

[init1]

Sounds like a great idea and a great selection of distros. Good luck with this :D

[bwhite82]

Actually,I like the idea,but who will fund it?

Well, thats always the issue, isn't it? Not really sure how to go about it. Perhaps solicit donations from a website. Thats certainly one of the things I have to think about in detail.


Sounds like a great idea and a great selection of distros. Good luck with this.

Thank you. I'm a little torn about the "selection" idea however. I don't want anyone thinking, "Well, this (Ubuntu) is supposed to be the beginner distro. Who wants that?? I wan't advanced!" (With their thinking being along the lines of the Windows naming schemes Ultimate, etc). They might go with the Gentoo first and be put off from Linux if install fails.

[Glaxed]

I love this idea.
I +1 getting website sponsorship.
You have made an excellent point about distro-selection.
My advice is to not label one as more advanced than the other, just that it
"Requires configuration and in-depth Linux knowledge"

[zachtib]

First off, I'd just go with Ubuntu, I don't think there's a big need to bother with three different distros. You could probably request a big shipment of CD's from shipit and send those out, they'd look nicer and more professional.

My concern would be whether the troops need Windows for anything in particular, would they be able to switch their computers over?

[p_quarles]

Thank you. I'm a little torn about the "selection" idea however. I don't want anyone thinking, "Well, this (Ubuntu) is supposed to be the beginner distro. Who wants that?? I wan't advanced!" (With their thinking being along the lines of the Windows naming schemes Ultimate, etc). They might go with the Gentoo first and be put off from Linux if install fails.
I agree. If you're going to make several options available, a vague list of skills levels isn't the way to go IMHO. A brief description of what the distro is useful for would be much better. E.g.,

Linux Mint: A fully-featured, easy-to-use operating system that requires minimal prior skill or knowledge to set up. Ideal for beginning Linux users.

Ubuntu Linux: An extremely customizable and beginner-friendly Linux distribution. Requires a reliable internet connection and a willingness to learn in order to get a fully functional system.

Arch Linux: A streamlined and highly flexible system meant for advanced users. While the speed and precision of this distribution are optimal for power users, anyone wanting to use this should be prepared to spend some time learning how things work "under the hood."

[pape]

Nice idea!

The only thing I worry is that sending cd:s to random population means that 95% of cd:s end up straight to trash can, 4% will be live-booted once, and perhaps 1% will go to "the purpose" it was supposed to go.

How about targeting some technical/computer club type of things that they might have, or perhaps specialist units such as communications etc?

Secondly, in some places people actually have more time in their hands, and will probably welcome any stimulation. Not sure they have time for computer geekery in Iraq or Afghanistan where personnel is pretty stretched AFAIK. Perhaps you know better..

[aimran]

I like the idea of sorting distros, but as the person above pointed out, I'm not too sure troops would have too much time to tinker around :)

Great idea :)!

[bwhite82]

Hey thanks for the great feedback. As usual, some good points were brought up. I think I may indeed go with just Ubuntu disks from shipit. This would cut cost, time and any confusion about different distros. TY zachtib for that.


How about targeting some technical/computer club type of things that they might have, or perhaps specialist units such as communications etc?

Secondly, in some places people actually have more time in their hands, and will probably welcome any stimulation. Not sure they have time for computer geekery in Iraq or Afghanistan where personnel is pretty stretched AFAIK. Perhaps you know better..

Another valid point. I've been deployed to both locales. While I was in Iraq, I had absolutely zero down time. While in Afghanistan, completely the opposite, the boredom was unbelievable (thats when I initially found out about Ubuntu). With that said however, I'm sure it has a lot to do with type of unit and area-of-operations within the country. For instance, I was in Mosul in Iraq (very hostile city at the time with an infantry unit). Afghanistan (not-so-hostile village with a national guard infantry unit).

I think this is where planning is key, perhaps I'll target certain areas, not sure yet.

[bwhite82]

My concern would be whether the troops need Windows for anything in particular, would they be able to switch their computers over?

Personal computers yes, work computers no. I would venture to guess that well over half of the deployed military population owns and has taken with them a personal laptop. At any rate, thats where dual-booting comes in.