[DC LoCo] [Fwd: Re: DC computer refurbishing and open source software...]

[Jeremy C.]

So let me get this right ... he has kids with no "real" computer experience
but he thinks them learning in a non-MS environment is TWO layers of
learning? If they don't have experience then anything new will be the same
as MS. Seems like I've heard somewhere that kids learn new languages real
quickly.

C'mon ... this guy is not an educator. If he was, he'd understand these kids
can learn ANYTHING and the logic, appearance and operation of a solid GUI on
Linux would expand their brains with new information and set them up to VERY
quickly learn MS when they do encounter it.

On Feb 13, 2008 8:04 PM, Kevin Cole <kjcole at ubuntu.com> wrote:

> And the word back is: Willing to discuss, but... "If it ain't
> Microsoft kids ain't interested."  Followed by FUD.
>
> I say "If they're really turning down Macs as well (as claimed below),
> something's horribly out of whack -- unless those machines are REALLY
> ancient."  Still, in spite of being an MAR, he sounds like he's not
> thrilled with that -- even if he does use AOL for his mail. ;-)
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subj: Re: DC computer refurbishing and open source software...
> Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:51 EST
> From: FirstTimeCmptrs at aol.com
>
> Kevin - good to hear from you. I've wrestled with the FOSS question
> in the past, and after trying out a Linux machine [from MicroCenter
> with Linspire installed] and thinking a lot about it, decided not
> to go that route.
>
> My concern is this -- we are trying to bridge the digital divide,
> level the digital playing field -- however you want to think of it.
> This inevitably means bringing kids into the digital mainstream --
> unfortunately, and ruthlessly so.  We can't even interest the kids
> who get our computers in Macs -- because they are different.  This
> is true even of the ones who go to charter school where they learn
> on Macs.
>
> Getting the kids to go freeware would be like layering a second
> learning curve on top of the first.  the first being get the hang
> of a computer and its uses, the second doing it in a non-Microsoft
> way. It would be too much.  So here we are in a basically Microsoft
> environment, like it or not.
>
> We are a MAR - Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, so that we get most
> stuff free or nearly free from them - e.g., $5 per install of XP.
> That helps some, but makes us feel like we are a part of extended
> their monopoly.
>
> I am no fan of Microsoft - we run into their nastiness every time we
> do a PC [e.g., if you set up a new username in Windows, and then go
> to open Internet Explorer logged on as the new user, you find the home
> page has defaulted to MSN, even if there are 10 other usernames all
> with non-Microsoft home pages.  and the same is true if you upgrade
> from IE6 to IE7].
>
> Happy to talk further about it.
>
> Lowell Dodge, Exec Dir.
> First Time Computers
> 3619 Georgia Ave NW
> Washington, DC 20010
> 202-722-2822 - office
> 202-722-2877 - fax
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
>
> 1stTimeComputers at gmail.com
> www.firsttimecomputers.org <http://www.firsttimecomputers.org/>
>
> You can drop computer stuff off at our office, 3619 Georgia Ave NW,
> Washington DC, at the corner of Georgia and Princeton, two blocks
> south of the Petworth metro stop. There's still a big red "Mario's
> Pizza House" sign left by the previous tenant on the front of the
> building.  The building is set back a bit off Georgia Avenue and there
> is a small parking lot in front. You can pull right up to the front
> door. Please call first to make sure someone is there.
>
> *First Time Computers - A Thumbnail Description*
>
> First Time Computers accepts donations of computers and computer
> components from individuals, families and organizations. We put them
> together into usable systems for students from lower income families
> in the DC area who can't afford to buy them. We also provide computers
> to organizations serving low income children and youth.
>
> We wipe incoming computers clean, and load the essential software from
> scratch.  Before we deliver a system, we run it through a series of
> exhaustive checks and complete needed fixes/upgrades.  Each computer
> is equipped with everything needed to be a fully-functioning system
> for educational and personal use.  We typically deliver these systems
> to the homes of recipients or to organizations, set them up, provide
> any needed orientation, and leave a handout on how to keep the PC
> running reliably.  We ask recipients to make a $25 donation per
> computer.
>
> So far [as of January 2007] we have taken in 2050 computers and placed
> about 1600.  We are incorporated, tax-exempt, and are a Microsoft
> Authorized Refurbisher. We are located in the former Mario's Pizza
> House at 3619 Georgia Ave NW [the big red "Mario's" sign still hangs
> on the front]. We have 7 part-time staff, mostly from the communities
> we serve.  Our website is www.firsttimecomputers.org.
>
> Lowell Dodge, Founder
> --
>  Kevin Cole                 |  Key ID: 0xE6F332C7   (GPG/PGP)
>  Ubuntu Linux DC LoCo Team  |     WWW: http://dc.ubuntu-us.org/
>  Washington, D.C.  (USA)    |   Phone: +1.202.234.0213 (home)
>
>            ". ! 1 |" -- Rene Magritte's computer
>
>
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