How to convince my mother to convert to Linux

phantomreaper · 07-03-2006, 02:05 AM

Hello, In my home there are ~10-13 computers all using Windows, and I want to convert as many as I can to Linux.
I can convert 8 computers (6 being mine) to Linux, but my mother is adamant that my younger brother's and sister's computer stay on windows because She bought 10-15 educational PC games that run on it.

How can I convince her (she's not really that technogically knowing

she knows how to turn a computer on and off and use the internet and use word processors, eg the basics) that Linux is a better alternative ?

Thank you

IBall · 07-03-2006, 02:13 AM

You could try dual-booting, so that the educational PC games can be run on windows, and other tasks on Linux.

Investigate if the educational games will run on Linux using WINE.

Set up Edubuntu on one of your machines - I have never tried it, but I understand that it is especially for educational purposes. Also, install as many (free) educational apps on your edubuntu system, and show her how many there are.

The major thing that won my mother over was security for her internet banking.

--Ian

masonm · 07-03-2006, 11:11 AM

Why try to force her to use something she doesn't want? Windows really is the better choice for some people. Instead, why not simply make sure those computers are made as secure as possible?

ethics · 07-03-2006, 11:20 AM

I'm with Masonm, If windows suits hers (and your siblings) needs then why switch to Linux?

Linux is more suited for you? well like you say you can use it on your machines.

As well as educational packages, the sad state of affairs at the moment is Education (at least where i am) is dominated by windows/office combinations. Cutting off your siblings from these during the education is not a good idea. You should educate them on Linux for when they mature though

IceChant · 07-03-2006, 02:04 PM

Linux is about choosing what you want forcing your mother or anyone else to use it just ruin it, teach them to use linux and with time they'll request it themselves.

phantomreaper · 07-04-2006, 02:32 AM

Thank you, I'm not trying to force them to use Linux though, My father and sister are converts but don't need Linux for now.

cs-cam · 07-04-2006, 02:36 AM

Masonm++

No need to swap people, my parents still use Windows. I just made sure to set them up with a good firewall, they get their email from my server so SpamAssassin and ClamAV pick up all that crap and they use Firefox instead of IE. No intervention from me and they're still virus free and on the original Windows install 2 or so years later.

FreeDoughnut · 07-05-2006, 07:17 PM

Cheese and rice! 10-13 computers! I'm sure you don't need them all. I could find a good home for them... *evil grin*
Anyways, I think you should let her use Windows, but whenever she has a problem, say "I'll try to help you, but I'm not used to it because on Linux that never happens." Eventually she'll get the message.

kencaz · 07-05-2006, 07:28 PM

Tell her you'll get good grades in school, goto college, and be out of the house on your 18th birthday... Then she'll do it...

KC

2damncommon · 07-05-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

How to convince my mother to convert to Linux

Maybe you shouldn't.
But suppose you took the time to set up a PC that could really run the types of software they want.
And suppose Windows really had a problem one day?
No, I'm not suggesting you initiate a problem. But a Linux system ready and willing to take over is really convincing.
Having a Linux system that could take over 90% of the tasks I used Windows for when Windows went down convinced me. The percentage has only gone up from there.

Nylex · 07-06-2006, 01:02 AM

My "dad" still uses Windows, but really, I'm not bothered to go and get rid of the spyware and other crap on that machine.

6 machines, rah!

But yeah, if people want to use Windows, that's up to them.

Randux · 07-06-2006, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomreaper

Hello, In my home there are ~10-13 computers

You either have too many brothers and sisters, too much money, or not enough food

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomreaper

all using Windows, and I want to convert as many as I can to Linux.

Still, you seem to be a smart fellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomreaper

How can I convince her (she's not really that technogically knowing

she knows how to turn a computer on and off and use the internet and use word processors, eg the basics) that Linux is a better alternative ?

Simply delete the Winbloze partition and install Linux. Without Winbloze, Linux will clearly be seen as a better alternative to living without a computer. After some time passes, and the screaming dies down, she'll even realize that Linux is better than Winbloze

phantomreaper · 07-06-2006, 09:28 PM

Problem No. 1 I'm Sixteen
Problem No. 2 I've burnt all my bridges

and never you mind how

Deleting windows could be the straw that broke the camels back

cs-cam · 07-06-2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Simply delete the Winbloze partition and install Linux. Without Winbloze, Linux will clearly be seen as a better alternative to living without a computer. After some time passes, and the screaming dies down, she'll even realize that Linux is better than Winbloze

Congratulations on the worst advice I've seen to date on these forums. Telling someone to go mess with another persons belongings, fantastic stuff well done.

Quote:

Problem No. 1 I'm Sixteen

There you go, you're 16. Don't go knowing more than your parents. You think that you do now but in reality that doesn't come for another 5 or 10 years

phantomreaper · 07-06-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cs-cam

There you go, you're 16. Don't go knowing more than your parents. You think that you do now but in reality that doesn't come for another 5 or 10 years

I meant because I'm 16 I can get kicked out of my place for doing something like that, not that I know everything.