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".