demonstrating linux
 

hey guys,

i want to introduce linux and opensource to a group of about 10 to 30 people who've probably nevcer even heard of linux in their lives. I have a lab with pcs running windows. I thought of using knoppix to do this. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this. Maybe a powerpoint presentation .. I'm open to ideas

You could consider the damn cool "Damn small linux" card CDs, for them to take away with them :)

http://www.damnsmalllinux.org

Just boot knoppix on those machines and let them play with it..:)
Stick around so you can help them if they get stuck somewhere.

yeah knoppix is a great demonstration tool for linux

and its safe to let them play with it as its running from a cd ;)

letting them just play with knoppix is a good start. if they really need help you can just project your desktop and show them some details. i would even show them websites like sourceforge so that they can get a real sense of the open source community.

ok, being in a similar situation here is my advice:

- give them something to look at, a projected image is great
- make sure everything is standardized, everything looks and acts the same
- they need to have things to take away with them. give them a live distro and let them know it is to experiment on and will not affect thier computer.
- Be sure not to show them anything complicated. Chances are. they are looking for windows xp ver 1.1, nice clean and easy.
- Focus on the similarity not the difference. An BRIEF outline of differences would be nice.
- Have VNC running and open for all the computers in the lab. Be responsive, even project THIER dektop and use it as a learning tool for the whole audience, cause if one prson can do it, others will certainly do it too. Consider it proactive.
- Dont use terms they arent comfortable with, make it as windows-centric as possible. ie: no folder/directory lecture.
-ABSOLUTELY CHECK EACH AND EVERY MACHINE FOR COMPATIBILITY ISSUES PRIOR TO THE DEMONSTRATION.
-Have them shutdown thier machine and keep the disc, a nice touch.

All i Could think of off the top of my head.

May the force be with you......