On Thu, 2003-05-01 at 04:16, expatriate wrote:
Greetings Being the de facto neighbourhood computer expert/admin/geek, I've come across a situation where I might need the assistance of someone more experienced. I've volunteered to facilitate bringing a couple from the 20th to the 21st century. Their current system is a 10+ years old HP computer with a 40MB disk running Windows 3.11. He rarely uses the computer and most of his exposure to it is an occasional game of chess. She does a fair amount of Word (MS Word 6.0) and Excel (didn't check but probably the same vintage). At present, they have no internet connectivity but they feel the pressure ( "can't I just send you an email?"). I've established their needs as follows: 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.
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?
This is just my opinion, mind you, but based on my experience as a computer "you break 'em we fix 'em" professional (and 100% of my clients use Windows), these people are going to need/want *lots* of support whether you go Windows or Linux. Ideally, you would find them a local shop/person who supports Linux fully, install SuSE, set it up exactly as they need with icons on the desktop for the apps they'll use, and all will be well. Certainly SuSE can do everything they need. The setup will take a lot of time whether the os is Linux or Windows. One problem will be when they want to install a new app - say to make greeting cards or a slide show. They'll go to CompUSA or Best Buy which will of course only have Windows software. If there is no one available who knows Linux well, then I'd say have them go with Windows XP Home. But they will need a lot of help with that, too. If you're around, the support will be *you*. I think Linux will have less problems because once it is setup, it just runs forever. Even though XP is the most stable os MS has made, problems *will* arise with it (this is a good thing for me because the children need shoes ;-) ). So bottom line, I'd see who can give them the support they *will* require and that will determine how you set up their new box. HTH, Malke -- Elephant Boy Computers www.elephantboycomputers.com Don't Panic!