linux intro for windows users like us
Rene Abad
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rene
10 things you must teach new Linux users
By Jack Wallen , TechRepublic on November 21, 2011
http://www.zdnetasia.com/10-things-you-must-teach-new-linux-users-62302951.htm?src=newsletter
During TechRepublic's Live Event, I said that I could hand a Linux
machine to new users and give them the information necessary to make
sure their transition to Linux was successful--and they wouldn't be
hounding me constantly on how X is done or asking, "What is Y?"
I could tell by the faces of the audience members that some of them
wanted to know how I could make such a bold statement. With that in
mind, here are 10 pieces of information to pass on to new Linux users
that will ensure a successful transition.
1: It's just an operating system
Only two years ago, this issue wouldn't even have been mentioned. The
thing is, the vast majority of work now is done through a Web browser.
This makes the operating system almost irrelevant. So long as the
operating system can run a browser, it will most likely live in the
background, working away without so much as being noticed. Of course,
this should be the case anyway, as an operating system is nothing more
than a layer between user applications and hardware.
2: It's not Windows
Many new users aren't exactly aware that there is a difference between
Windows, Linux, and Mac. But they need to know that they shouldn't
always expect Windows-like behavior. When a user expects an operating
system to behave like another operating system, trouble will most
certainly ensue. Does this mean you need to give them the rundown on
every difference between the operating systems? No. They just need to
be prepared to encounter different behaviors from what they expect.
3: There is no "C"
Windows users are accustomed to a file system structure that never
really made sense. Linux, on the other hand, has a perfectly logical
directory hierarchy. This is one issue users will need to understand.
However, there really is only one main directory they need to know
about: /home/USERNAME (Where USERNAME is their name). Most modern
distributions create the following directories within the users home
directory: Documents, Pictures, Music, Video. Those subdirectories
speak for themselves, and new users only need know where they are
located to function properly. They also need to know that their home
directory is the only place on the file system where they can save
files.
4: Installing software is a different process
This one can trip up the new user more than anything. PC users are
accustomed to searching for software on the 'net, downloading the .exe
file, double-clicking it, and waiting for the software installation to
complete. So they need to understand that Linux distributions come
complete with their own special tool that will do all of that for
them. All they have to do is open the Add/Remove Software tool (such
as the Ubuntu Software Center, PackageKit, or Synaptic), search for a
piece of software, and install it. New users tend to love the sheer
amount of software that's available to install. Naturally some of it
is useless, but the majority of those titles are good pieces of
software that serve their purpose.
5: The command line is not necessary
When new uses are handed a Linux box, one of the first things to come
out of their mouths is often, "Am I going to have to learn a bunch of
commands?" The answer is no. In fact, modern Linux distributions are
created in such a way that users could live their entire Linux lives
and never touch the command line. This is now a non-issue. The command
line is there (and always will be), but only those who want to use it
need ever open up a terminal window. Outside of that, users can rest
assured that they will not have to grep, ls, mkdir, chmod, or chown.
Nearly every action in Linux can be handled through a GUI.
6: There's no need to worry about infection
We're no longer dealing with Windows--so all that concern for viruses
and malware is a thing of the past. You don't see AVG or SEP in the
notification tray? That's normal. Your machine will not be at risk
without them. But it's still important to make sure users know that
their colleagues may still be using Windows, so they shouldn't be
cavalier about forwarding email attachments to them. Just because
those attachment won't harm the Linux box doesn't mean they won't harm
the Windows box.
7: It's free
I'm always shocked at how much trouble users have understanding the
concept of open source and the fact that most open source software has
no cost attached. "Well then it must not be any good!," is most often
the reaction. Not so. Of course, a consumerist society would have
trouble with the idea that "free can be good," but it's one we should
get used to. In many cases, open source software is not only better
for society, it's better for your computer.
8: If you don't like it, you can change it
This is another strange concept for new users, but one they should
understand. Unlike Windows and Mac, if you don't like a Linux desktop,
you can change it. Granted, this isn't something a new user is going
to just automatically do. But knowing that it is a possibility helps
new users understand just how much flexibility they have. Besides,
working with a desktop you don't like can make for a frustrating
experience. I prefer to demonstrate for new users the types of
desktops available for them and let them choose. Most times, they will
go with what they're somewhat familiar with (KDE being a good choice
for most), but on occasion a new user will go with something
completely different just for the experience.
9: Not all hardware is created equal
That's right -- not every piece of shiny new hardware will actually
function properly with the Linux operating system. This is not nearly
the issue it once was, but for some pieces of hardware (such as
multi-function printers, some wireless cards, and laptop displays,)
the problems still persist. For those pieces of hardware, it is
sometimes as simple as downloading proprietary drivers (something new
users won't mind, but you will want to take care of). Other times, it
may be as involved as switching to a different distribution all
together. The good news is that Linux has come a long, long way in
this area and continues to expand and improve.
10: Google is your friend
The single most important thing you can do for yourself and your new
users is to ensure that they understand just how helpful Google can
be. When there is a problem or an aspect of Linux they don't
understand, they should know that someone else has probably documented
this issue, and helpful info is just a search away. Show new users how
to make the most out of a Google search so they are not inundated with
worthless results. In the end, they might come to you with fewer
request, and even more important -- they'll be learning along the way.
Easing the transition
People fear change. And it's become clear that the more things do
change, the more people react. (Just watch Facebook long enough and
you'll see this in action.) But change doesn't have to be avoided or
handled improperly. With just a little preparation on your part, the
new Linux user will have a positive experience and will most likely
not look back.
A writer for more than 12 years, Jack's primary focus is on the Linux
operating system and its effects on the open source and non-open
source communities.