[ILUG] Newbie

[Nick Murtagh]

On Monday 27 May 2002 09:29, Pearse Stokes wrote:
> This raises the question of the InstallFest that I've brought up a number
> of times.
>
> Although I've offered a premises, coffee, computers, network, etc. there
> has been no constructive response.

The current argument goes like this: Linux is now as easy to install as
windows, therefore newbies need no help getting up and running. 

Now, I can agree with this to a certain extent, but then again, most
people have never installed windows 2000, which is a world of pain 
when something goes wrong.

If there are lots of people on the list who feel this would be valuable,
speak up now! (Not that I'm volunteering to have anything to do with it
of course :)

> From a marketing viewpoint, this gives the impression that the Community
> has achieved its targets. When an experienced user comes up against an
> obstacle relating to a complex issue, the ILUG group seems to respond in
> force. However, when a newbie shows some interest, OK there's a response,
> but the potential value of the Newbie (in terms of the new users he/she can
> bring later) seems not to be recognised.
>
> Every time a newbie gives up on a difficult installation, you can be sure
> they'll ridicule Linux to everyone they know.

Hmm, you realise ILUG is just made up of people interested in Linux? 
This isn't some sort of paid support team. Newbies are well catered for
by websites and other online documentation. What ILUG is good for is
specific problems. Not many people have the time to write long introductory
essays off the top of their heads (like Steffen did). 

> Every time a newbie succeeds, that's one more box with Linux, one more
> opportunity for the success of Linux to be seen by family, friends and
> neighbours.
>
> Two years on, I'm still a Newbie. I've installed Linux on loads of systems,
> some successfully, some not. I use computers, I need them, but I'm not a
> computer professional. I don't see myself ever achieving independence of
> the experts. The Linux community needs to find a means of making entry a
> bit easier, and perhaps it has to become more creative in making this
> happen.
>
> Any ideas?

Books? Training courses? 

Don't get the idea that because Linux is free (as in libre) and quite
often free (as in beer) that you can do it on the cheap. If you feel you
need to learn it quickly, you may need to spend a bit of money. A lot
of this is pure experience -- there's not much ILUG can do to directly
transfer experience into your brain. You've got to learn this stuff
for yourself.

Nick