10 key lessons for Linux learners
Summary: TR's Jack Wallen says he can ensure a smooth migration to Linux simply by providing new users with a machine running the operating system and a few basic facts.
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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 information is just a search away.
Show new users how to make the most of a Google search to avoid their being inundated with worthless results. In the end, they might come to you with fewer requests, and even more important — they'll be learning in the process.
Easing the transition
People fear change, but change doesn't have to be avoided. With just a little preparation on your part, the new Linux user will have a positive experience. Do you have any other important lessons that you always make a point of passing on to new users?
This story originally appeared as 10 things you must teach new Linux users on TechRepublic.
Image credit: Daniel F Pigatto/Flickr
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Talkback
RE: 10 key lessons for Linux learners
RE: 10 key lessons for Linux learners
1) Freedom to run the program for any purpose.
2) Freedom to study the code (i.e., study how the software works), and make modifications if you wish.
3) Freedom to share exact copies of the software.
4) Freedom to share your modified versions of the software, so long as you keep the four freedoms intact.
Is there one example of a successful Windows to Linux Migration
RE: 10 key lessons for Linux learners
You need to choose which linux distro you want to use, availability of software that you use and support (even if thru forums) and there are quite a few variations out there and few more introduced every month. However the good thing is there is lot of commonality in them.
I have been using ubuntu for some time now and I am quite comfortable with it. During early days there used to be Fedora, then came ubuntu and things changed a lot. Now-a-days you are not restricted to linux as the only true "free" OS. There are few more choices like opensolaris (for personal use), chrome OS (if all you do is browse and cloud storage is dirt cheap these days). I would like to hear from people if they have used FreeBSD as well.
Linux Mint is next I want to try out, read few good reviews, but it is internally ubuntu. However for end-users (non-programmers) it would be a different OS altogether.
Best,
Sarang
www.nullptr.me
RE: 10 key lessons for Linux learners
1. Linux is not just for nerds/hackers, it's just a tablecloth over the table that is UNIX (which forms the base of all modern OS's)
2. Linux is more secure than windows (so long as you don't go root unless you have to)
3. No more driver disks, linux takes care of that for you.
4. Linux can give older computers a new lease on life
5. Not all computers can run linux out of the box, some need to be modified
6. Don't give up because it didn't work first time, grow and learn
7. There are friendly Linux experts all over the web available to help you if you have problems, most will help you for free.
8. Do not fear the terminal, it will not bite you
9.The Linux GUI's KDE,xfce, and Gnome(geh-nome) are very similar to windows
10.Installing software on Linux is not terribly different from windows