Older Computers

[Joris Dobbelsteen]

>-----Original Message-----
>From: ubuntu-users-bounces at lists.ubuntu.com 
>[mailto:ubuntu-users-bounces at lists.ubuntu.com] On Behalf Of 
>Pete Holsberg
>Sent: zaterdag 28 juli 2007 16:46
>To: Ubuntu users
>Subject: Older Computers
>
>I'm thinking about trying to convince the people in my over-55 
>community to think of Linux when they buy their next computer.

My consideration mostly is:
What are they familiar with and how many people can give them support
when they hit a problem. For minor problems (how to do x) many people
can give you the answer provided that you use windows & office. The
community for linux is generally, but not always, more limited.

That said, the interfaces are quite alike, though people need some
adjustment as there are differences. It really depends on your users.
People who work with a computer by performing "memorized sequence of
actions" will not adjust well to a radical change from Windows to Linux.
They will need a lot of support to get working. People who understand
the fundamentals of how software is structured will adjust quite easily
and overcome the differences between Windows and Linux.

A secondary consideration is the community of the end-users. If their
friends motivate them to do different things with their computer and
install all kinds of software, its not likely they are going to like
Linux as they can't keep up. Most others are accustomed to Windows and
push software that will run only on Windows.

When you are sure you can take this hurdle, its no problem any more.

[snip]

This was not the question, but I think you should consider it. People
should be able to work with their computer; it's a tool that just has to
work and nothing more.

- Joris