IDEA: Classes Offered by Local Ubuntu Groups

[cprofitt]

I am looking in to offering classes in my local community and wanted to share the idea with everyone. I would welcome any criticism or suggested additions/tweaks.

General Class Ideas:


Using your digital camera with Ubuntu - F-Spot / Gimp
Getting started with programming - Python
Backing up your files and settings in Ubuntu
Linux Shell Scripting - despite the GUI being easy to use much of the power is beneath the hood, come see how to use the power.
Database design using OpenOffice.org Base
Spreadsheets using OpenOffice.org Spreadsheet
Presentations using OpenOffice.org Presentation

1-day class ideas:


Selecting a computer (hopefully have a local retailer that sells Ubuntu machines attend and give people guidance on how to select the 'right-spec' computer for certain uses)
How to build a computer (use local vendor or get donated/spare parts and potentially raffle the machine off)

[NewJack]

I think we need one geared towards "Non-Computer" computer users also. One that shows the similarities between their old Window world and their new Ubuntu one.

- MS Office to OoO (Just the basics that most people use, cause most people do not use more of the advance features)
- Any labeling program to GLabels
- Show them how to use some of the common Media Players and Media Rippers
- How to backup files
- Set up an email client (Evolution, Thunderbird, etc)
- Show how to navigate the File Browser and explain where different file types are stored
- How to use the Terminal to do updates/upgrades

Just a few suggestions

[daradib]

I think one of the very important differences that must be taught (especially to so called "power users") is the Debian packaging system and APT (through a GUI like Synaptic Package Manager). A lot of "power users" can get through most Ubuntu tasks, but will try installing software through the Windows-like method of downloading an installer and running the installer (a very bad way of installing software in my opinion, especially on a Debian/Ubuntu system).

The official Ubuntu documentation refers to this topic as "Adding, Removing and Updating Applications (https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/add-applications/C/index.html)".