Just wanted to take a moment to pass along my recent experience with the Linux desktop and the "average" computer user.
Recently, as an early Christmas gift, I sent my parents a new computer with, of course, Linux installed on it... not Microsoft Windows.
This weekend I received a call from my father, telling me that the computer arrived and was ready to hook it up, replacing their old W98 computer.
Now, let me try and set the picutre. My father's is far from being computer-savvy. This weekend, I had to explain to him what the taskbar was used for, as over the past couple of years using W98, he never knew he could minimize a window on the desktop. Get the picture?
Anyway, I guided him through the hook-up of all of the different cables (power, keyboard, mouse, etc.) then got him to boot-up the new PC.
I took some time in explaining to him that he needs to "log-in" to the computer now, as Linux has some built-in security to keep his new system safe. He seemed to understand.
Next, I instructed him through the process of setting up a session for me to "share his desktop." In a couple minutes, I was connected to his PC and was able to give him a tour of his new KDE desktop environment. This feature is something that's available right "out of the box" and is a wonderful tool to have at hand.
I showed him the basics he needed to know... which icon launched his web browser, which one launched his e-mail reader, and how he could listen to his CDs. We spent about 45 minutes touring around KDE. I even showed him a few games he had to play (Frozen Bubble, multiple card games, etc.).
Well, I got my first phone call from him today and he's been loggin in all by himself and surfing the Net with ease. He's also happy to know that he doesn't have to worry about all those Internet "nasties", as he was really getting paranoid over most everything on the Net lately.
So, I really don't see the standard anti-Linux remark, "it's not yet ready for the average computer user" holding any water.
I'll admit, all the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) made me a little concerned when I sent my parents their new PC, but not anymore. If someone like my father can take to it as easy as this, I'm convinced any computer user can.
Recently, as an early Christmas gift, I sent my parents a new computer with, of course, Linux installed on it... not Microsoft Windows.
This weekend I received a call from my father, telling me that the computer arrived and was ready to hook it up, replacing their old W98 computer.
Now, let me try and set the picutre. My father's is far from being computer-savvy. This weekend, I had to explain to him what the taskbar was used for, as over the past couple of years using W98, he never knew he could minimize a window on the desktop. Get the picture?
Anyway, I guided him through the hook-up of all of the different cables (power, keyboard, mouse, etc.) then got him to boot-up the new PC.
I took some time in explaining to him that he needs to "log-in" to the computer now, as Linux has some built-in security to keep his new system safe. He seemed to understand.
Next, I instructed him through the process of setting up a session for me to "share his desktop." In a couple minutes, I was connected to his PC and was able to give him a tour of his new KDE desktop environment. This feature is something that's available right "out of the box" and is a wonderful tool to have at hand.
I showed him the basics he needed to know... which icon launched his web browser, which one launched his e-mail reader, and how he could listen to his CDs. We spent about 45 minutes touring around KDE. I even showed him a few games he had to play (Frozen Bubble, multiple card games, etc.).
Well, I got my first phone call from him today and he's been loggin in all by himself and surfing the Net with ease. He's also happy to know that he doesn't have to worry about all those Internet "nasties", as he was really getting paranoid over most everything on the Net lately.
So, I really don't see the standard anti-Linux remark, "it's not yet ready for the average computer user" holding any water.
I'll admit, all the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) made me a little concerned when I sent my parents their new PC, but not anymore. If someone like my father can take to it as easy as this, I'm convinced any computer user can.
)