I would consider myself an intermediate Linux user, but sometimes that's quite a bit more experience than anyone else in the room

I will be giving a wokshop on Linux to a group of Windows users. My plan is to help them accomplish, in Linux, what they already do in windows (Browsing, Word Proc, Spreadsheets, Music, etc...)

I would like to, also, show some very basic commandline functions (this is a group of computer "geeks", I would expect them to appreciate at least some of this)

Can anyone help with:
1) Sharing their experiences with a similar scenerio?
2) Help with a list of programs in Windows that I should show a comparable Linux package(s) for.
3) Give an example of something that is accomplished in Windows (GUI) that is MUCH more efficient using a terminal in linux. (Something that takes multiple clicks in Windows, yet is accomplished with a single line in terminal)
4) Any other tips/tricks worthy of sharing with "The Lost"

Thanks

1) I think that if someone is already interested enough to attend a workshop about using Linux, 90% of the battle is done.

2) Look here

3) Remote admin of a machine using ssh. Installing software using aptitude on debian based systems or yum on Redhat. Show them how the OS comes with multiple scripting languages on most default installs - shell script, perl, python and so on.

4) How about doing remote X programs, which is built-in to X, rather than having to use something like terminal server.

Show off compiz / beryl if you think these people might like that. Turn on all the bling

Show them something Windowsy running in wine to show that there is at least a chance of running some of their old apps under Linux, but make sure you tell them this frequently doesn't work... Over-selling a problematic.

I am considering doing the same thing. I would be very concerned about coming across as proselytizing--something I am very prone to.

I would give a bit of the history + a very simple explanation of open source and how radically different the business model is. The idea is to get past the widespread bias that--If it's free, it can't be very good.

I would also have very simple examples of Linux doing common tasks---plus a few examples of what you can do in Linux that Windows is not very good at. For example, show off the package manager.

Leave lots of time for questions and impromptu demos

Well, the most powerful example is Open Office. On all other parts, I have to admit that I know better windows programs for most specialized stuff - but I can't afford them!
Blender will never beat Maya, but you can download and use blender and archive amazing results.
Gimp - Will probably leave some things to desire to someone who professionally used Photoshop and Fireworks, but for most people it will do everything they need...

Making an image of a device: dd if=/dev/[device of=/image.img
killing processes-gone-wild

The coolest thing really is the package management. If I need a tool, I don't have to google for something, and just hope that I get it from a trusted site like download.com, I just do a search in the package manger - download install and check the md5sum in one step, have access to a man page that is way over my head with one easy command (there's always a downside), and start using it.

I would suggest some examples of the use of command line tools for processing text. If all you have been exposed to is Windows, then 'grep' 'sed' 'cut' 'strings' 'awk' can look like magic.

have you thought about an install race? This just came to me, by the way. 2 PCs of the same or similar hardware specs, list a number of things that need to be installed - internet browser, office suite, graphics program, and whatever. Then start with a formatted hard drive and race to see who can be working in the shortest time. It would be something to show (esp. if you compare the prices for getting to that point - hint: Linux has all these things from scratch and costs only your time and a blank CD, generally) and then let people play around with the PC. While your Windows friend is still installing.

Also, if they know about computers they will know about the people who know enough to be dangerous! Show them how Linux protects users from themselves.

And don't forget to write an article about the experience and post it in the Advocacy section on the Articles page. Really.

I like the install race idea, too. How about some output from Windows' process and memory display compared to top before and after loading the wm?

In addition to "bling" show them how you can also have a simple desktop with a little bling. Add some transparency, chnge the window decoration and button styles, etc. Some people, like myslef, don't necessarily want bling. And show them a different window manager if you have it. You might have some people that would like XFCE or Fluxbox more than KDE or Gnome. You can also show them how they can perform most common operations without ever entering X. Show them a commandline text editor, the links web browser, use the cdrecord command to burn a disc.

I have to agree.