Linux - You Can Do It!

[oz]

Here's a nice article from PCMag.com about getting started with Linux for anyone that's considering giving it a whirl:

Linux You Can Do It! - Features by PC Magazine

Linux is hot again. In fact, there's never been a better time for Microsoft Windows users to give Linux a whirl. The OS is more usable than ever, easier to install, and more compatible with PC hardware. It still helps to be somewhat tech-savvy to get the most out of Linux, but that's no longer a major requirement. If you're reading this magazine, you already have what it takes.

[flipjargendy]

We can now expect a new wave of members!

[MikeTbob]

We can now expect a new wave of members!

That same link, leads to a nice, warm, fuzzy "Install Linux" tutorial, which we can toss to all the new Members
Linux Installation Guide - Expert Help by PC Magazine

[Farmer Mike]

All people need is to know there's a viable alternative to Windows. Favorable coverage in a mainstream publication like that is great!

[rcgreen]

I am one of those people who believes in Linux.
I want more people to use it. I am not neutral on operating systems.

New users are always welcome, but some times it is disheartening
for a new user to come on the forum and ask. "I need to know how to set up
my sendmail server for a mid sized lan with 50 users, but please don't give
me any command line stuff"

[fingal]

New users are always welcome, but some times it is disheartening
for a new user to come on the forum and ask. "I need to know how to set up
my sendmail server for a mid sized lan with 50 users, but please don't give
me any command line stuff"

I've seen plenty of threads like that and I usually avoid them. Even if I knew the answer (and in the case of your example I don't) there's always the feeling that they're going to degenerate into someone saying, 'This would be easy in Windows! Why do we need a command line?'

I take the view that if someone is telling you how something should work from the very start, then you don't have much chance of helping them to sort things out. Sometimes - as you know - using a CLI is essential.

But yes... New users are always good to see!

[oz]

You'd think that by now, the majority of computer magazines would have at least one Linux article in them each month, but so far it seems really slow to happen.

[Dapper Dan]

I've seen plenty of threads like that and I usually avoid them. Even if I knew the answer (and in the case of your example I don't) there's always the feeling that they're going to degenerate into someone saying, 'This would be easy in Windows! Why do we need a command line?

Hi fingal... I often do the same thing. If they are completely inexperienced, you have half a chance at making them understand that they'll need the command line from time to time. The one's I avoid entirely are those who go on about all their vast Windows experience -- been using since DOS -- "I'm an IT professional and know computers inside and out, and Linux makes no sense..." The adage, "You can't teach and old dog new tricks" is mostly true of the self proclaimed Windows expert who tries to use our favoured OS.

[oz]

The one's I avoid entirely are those who go on about all their vast Windows experience -- been using since DOS -- "I'm an IT professional and know computers inside and out, and Linux makes no sense..." The adage, "You can't teach and old dog new tricks" is mostly true of the self proclaimed Windows expert who tries to use our favoured OS.

I think the problem is that far too many Linux newcomers expect Linux to be a Windows clone!

What an awful concept...

[minthaka]

Yes, Linux is conquering. I found Mandriva 2007 to be at least as stable as Win XP. Boys, it simply lacks all the failures I met before!!!