To Linux or not to Linux? That is the question....
Posted 03-04-2009 at 10:47 PM by Seph64
No, I am not questioning whether I should keep using Linux (or not). What I am questioning is the wisdom of trying to get close relatives to use Linux when all they use is Windows.
When is it alright to get someone in your family to use something they have never used before?
Me? I have given up trying to get anyone close to me to use Linux. My mother jinxes any computer she touches. She installs junk (which I believe cause most of her computer problems), though when it comes to games she buys herself, she has to get me to install them. I shudder at the thought of her trying to use Linux. It'd probably be a nightmare.
My brother is quite content with whatever he uses (Windows XP I believe). Although he had expressed an interest in Linux a few times, but never explored the idea any further.
The only person I know who uses anything remotely close to Linux is my father, he has an old iBook that uses a rather old version of OSX. Though he never uses it anymore.
For those of you who have tried getting your family or close friends to use Linux? What was it like? What was the biggest road bump you have experienced trying to get them to use something so different from what they were used to? And most importantly, do they still use Linux, or do they use Windows?
When is it alright to get someone in your family to use something they have never used before?
Me? I have given up trying to get anyone close to me to use Linux. My mother jinxes any computer she touches. She installs junk (which I believe cause most of her computer problems), though when it comes to games she buys herself, she has to get me to install them. I shudder at the thought of her trying to use Linux. It'd probably be a nightmare.
My brother is quite content with whatever he uses (Windows XP I believe). Although he had expressed an interest in Linux a few times, but never explored the idea any further.
The only person I know who uses anything remotely close to Linux is my father, he has an old iBook that uses a rather old version of OSX. Though he never uses it anymore.
For those of you who have tried getting your family or close friends to use Linux? What was it like? What was the biggest road bump you have experienced trying to get them to use something so different from what they were used to? And most importantly, do they still use Linux, or do they use Windows?
Total Comments 5
Comments
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Hi I did try Linux but it was a pain in the ass to get drivers.So I wend back to windows and I will stay there I like the road of least resistance,have better thinks to do.NickPosted 03-05-2009 at 02:45 PM by nickardy 
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I'm with you, it's somehow different at first, but why not invest time and effort in it, you'll get it straight at the end... like any thing new at first.
Posted 03-06-2009 at 05:43 PM by marwansherin
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For some some strange reason, I get the feeling that people have just read the title and disregarded the actual post.Posted 03-06-2009 at 06:25 PM by Seph64
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Seph I agree.
I stopped preaching the linux gospel to family when my cousin told me to stop trying to "convert" him...
Heheh!Posted 03-09-2009 at 05:25 AM by banttu
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i my case it a 50 50 situation, my in house family all use linux and have no real problems with it. my daughter has a laptop since christmas, i put ubuntu hardy on it next to the existing windows installation and she uses linux the most. i stopped using windows about 5 or 6 years ago because of all the pirated software and i use that as leverage to make a point whenever a discussion arises. i am by no means an expert in linux but i can get it to do pretty much what i want from it. at the moment i am having some trouble getting a wacom tablet to work on my daughter's laptop as she is going to start a graphic design course. i have to admit that the thing was installed in 2 minutes in windows but that is only because it was supplied with windows (and mac) drivers. not that it will help but when registering the product on the wacom website i made a comment about the lack of linux drivers for it. i know that there is a wacom linux project but it requires knowledge of the (by me) dreaded command line interface. outside my house, as i sell a few computers so now and then, i usually install linux alongside existing windows. on the windows part of the system i just leave it with just windows and all drivers installed, but in linux i install all the software that most people like using. so when the question arises "can it burn discs, or does it have 'word' on it, what do i use for internet or email, etc etc" i show them what linux has to offer for 'free' and windows not. although they seem very interested at the time of showing, about half of them seem to worry more about installing anti spyware and anti virus software on their windows system and the usual (mostly illegal obtained) software. the other half uses linux on a regular basis and i know one case of a person who had no experience with computers until he bought one of mine and he just loves his computer, he has no idea what he is running he always says "i like that free one you put on" he even keeps it (hardy) up to date. the only downside is his printer which is classified as paperweight on the linux hcl, but he is considering buying a linux compatible printer.
so that's my story in short.Posted 03-14-2009 at 05:18 PM by wabbalee
