James Mohr wrote:
Hi All!
It is a nice coincidence that we have a headline "Indian president in favor of Linux". I have been approached by a training company in India to help develop course work for introductory Linux course (eventually advanced topics). In the first stage we will be developing a course for people who are moving up from Windows to Linux. That is, they have some basic computer knowledge (at least what is necessary to run Windows), so they need Linux-specifica.
James, this is "suse-linux ", so I guess I can use a specific SuSE example :-) Here in Anchorage, we have a "Friday Linux" worksession each Friday evening. No, it is NOT called installfest, but we do at least three installs a month. This is a free, low profile walk-in affair, not a formal class. Bear with me while I rant & rave ... New people need to see how easy things go. I let them put the install CD/DVD in the machine and (preferably) turn the power back on. They get to select English as the language, because we are in Alaska. They just watch things progress. Just use defaults, because they really need to see things done more than once. When YaST asks how much software should be installed, THEN I jump in and pick the "Detailed Selection" option, and go right into the games area. Yep, GAMES. I do that much for them, then give the mouse back to them. They are told to left click on the name so as to read the description. Help them SELECT one or two titles for installation. They are made to DESELECT one or two (so they have to put them back in on their own ;-) Tell them to start through the list, and WALK AWAY. In about five minutes they are at home, happy, feeling successful, and you have a new friend. If they want, you can show them something of how the menues work, but only if they want to know. Have THEM "accept" and let the YaST do the rest. If perchance, you have an intense math major, maybe then would do as well in another catagory, but those kind probably know about Linux already (and they are probably the best gamers ). At this point you will find how nice DVDs are. I have a portable one to strap on just because it helps so much. Be sure to select "Details" during the install so they have the software names scrolling past. Most people ARE curious, and they want to feel like they know what is happening. It is the illusion of being in charge, but it feels good. If it is their own machine, help them pick a root password. In any case, help them pick a username and password. Right here is where you get your licks in regarding security. Security is an attitude, and you dare not bury them with details yet. As soon as the machine boots and runs, put them into whatever application they know best. Again, position them where they can feel immediate success and get them past the fright of some unknown world. I might add, let YaST do the video card / monitor stuff on its own unless they are ready for it. That is for the curious and knowing. It is a reward and a badge of progress for the slightly advanced student. From there on, it probably doesn't matter what you do. Let them explore a LOT. The less you do the better, for that first lesson. The genius of those who replied earlier kicks in after the first intro session.
There are the obvious things like differences in commands/options, dual booting, SAMBA, and so forth. However, I would really appreaciate some brain storming ideas on what I could/should include. My partner tells me that India is pretty much "Microsoft country" and there are no companies that provide Linux training. This would be a great oppotunity to show IT people the power of Linux.
Remember, James, that we KNOW the power of Linux, but they are afraid. Show them that Linux is friendly. Show them that it will do what they want it to do. They will figure out the power stuff for themselves. When thet happen you really have a loyal friend. Have FUN, and keep up enough steam to stay ahead of them.
Any help would be greatly appreaciated.
Regards,
jimmo