expatriate wrote:
0) ADSL hardware 1) Web browsing and email 2) Word processing and spread sheets 3) CDROM reading/writing (don't have writing abilities at present) 4) Ability to get digital camera pictures into their computer so his artwork can be placed on eBay (have yet to get camera) 5) Printing to an HP 660 printer
My concern is that if I build this for them with Linux, I would be the only local source of help. If I build this with Windows, more of their friends could assist them when I'm not around or when I leave the country for good.
Obviously I would prefer not to promote Microsoft products. At the same time, their budget is modest.
It's not like Microsoft products are cheap, is it? [ Unless, of course, it's a cracked copy of Windows and Office :-) ]
So I guess the main questions are: Can Suse 8.2 handle neophytes with limited point and click experience? Can anyone share a similar experience?
Neophytes will have just as much problems with Windows, as with Linux. Neophytes don't install Windows on their own (like people seem to think this stuff happens), they don't install anything on their own, they always call for somebody else. Yet, if you set up their box with SuSE and don't leave out any detail, they will do their "computing" without worries. If their computer (with internet) will run smoothly, if they will never be affected by stupid Windows viruses and so on, they will never know what good you did them by installing Linux. You need to explain that well to them :-) so they show you respect :-) You absolutely _must_ install (and verify that it's working) an autoupdate script, because their box will be always online, and easy target for script kiddies. http://susefaq.sourceforge.net/you.html#AEN1666 Also read my previous message to the list ("has someone hacked?"); it has some additional information that is needed. In this particular case, I would suggest skipping step 1 and 2. This will ensure a more reliable update, because it will most certainly get a working mirror. It will be slower (the mirror will not be the nearest), but safer in the long run when the box will be without administration. -- Linux/Unix Systems Engineer http://www.genesys.ro Phone +40723-267961