This is a question I think we're going to hear a lot in the future as Windows gradually and finally zips itself up to be copy proof ('ish, that is).

I had one similar request from a Windows user in distress not so long ago. She was I would think it fair to say quietly impressed by the Kubuntu distribution I installed for her (even though it was only a part working install at that - an Ubunutu to Kubuntu install via Synaptic didn't work too well for some reason).

The latest request I have had is from someone who lives half-way around the world from myself (can I fix her Windows PC for her, LOL

So my question is this. I obviously am not going to fix the Windows for her. Has anyone though got any idea as to how I could log into a Windows machine remotely, back it up (CD or maybe DVD), repartition the HD, install a Linux distribution, then relogin to Linux (remotely) and get the webcam, digital camera, Skype, etc. working for her. I would not feel happy doing this as well if I did not think that I could remove the dual boot software (e.g. grub) and put things back to how they were.

If anyone can tackle this, then I think there's no stopping Linux!!


GSO

There is a program on the internet that allows you to remotely access your computer from anywhere in the world. Not sure what the name is(because I don't use windows anymore) but I remember that if you do a search on it it will show up. The program will actually let you take control of the computer and is kind of weird, because if you walk up to someone's computer who is using it you can see stuff being moved around. I heard that this program is very useful for your situation. - Not sure how it will work with a format though - maybe you could try formatting one partition and installing Linux on it, then accessing linux and formatting the other?

Go to my PC.com ....For them, PC = Windows

Lots of utilities to control windows from windows and linux from linux, but I know nothing that is "cross-cultural"

i don't know if LUGS are worldwide (i'd imagine so) But i'd have her see if there is a LUG nearby she can get in touch with and maybe someone from it would be willing to set it up for her. If she is your friend (i assume she is) it might create some akwardness if you install linux from so far away. If something happens it will be easy for her to blame you and you'd lose a linux convert but more importantly a friend.

PCs (by this I mean x86 compatable 32-bit processor hardware regardless of what is on the hard drive) do not lend themselves well to remote [reboots, partitioning of hard drives, initial network setup, OS installation].

Taking her box to a LUG to have someone help her do an install is a great idea.

There are also many RDP clients for Linux and as many, if not more, ssh/rsh/telnet/remote X clients that can be put on Windows boxes as well. These don't help you partition, do the install or initially set the network settings though.

Hopefully you can come up with something that will work for her.

You should be very careful with this line of thinking. Puts a whole new spin on the idea of invasion of privacy. If someone were to list easy steps to do this, all it would take is someone to gain a womans trust on the internet, talk her into believing that you are going to "fix" her computer, and when you get to the "get the webcam working" part...........I hope to hell this pc is in the family room and not the bedroom. I think it best not to an answer to this question. You could also get yourself into a whole lot of trouble with the law. Tapping telephones can get you into enough trouble I can assure you from past experience, I would not want to get caught doing this. Better someone does this in her presence due to moral issues.

OK guys, thanks for that. I've located the local clutch of LUGs and will take things from there. (Might experiment with the rest when I get some time free.)


GSO