[kwlug-disc] "What Linux Distro Should I Use?"

[unsolicited]

Is the time frame for this (we would like to see) and the next open
slot too long for this?

Shane wrote, On 05/04/2010 4:29 AM:
> Presumably, most of th new people will be moving from MS as did.
> My biggest problem was how to get something done:  documents,
> spreadsheets, listen to and transfer music and videos and maybe
> movies and radio.
> 
> If you want to know what people want to learn - ask them.  At the
> beginning you ask if there is anything about which someone would
> like to learn.  Then, if there is anyone, you direct them write
> their name and email address on a slip of paper, you might even
> provide some, and someone will contact them.
> 
> That should give topics and numbers.  Then all you need are
> presenters.  Basic topics can alternate with more advanced or
> possibly both on the same night depending on space available and
> other logistical nightmares.
> 
> ================It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the
> size of the fight in the dog.
> 
> -----Original Message----- From: Raul Suarez <rarsa at yahoo.com> 
> Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 23:02:41 To: KWLUG
> discussion<kwlug-disc at kwlug.org> Subject: Re: [kwlug-disc] "What
> Linux Distro Should I Use?"
> 
> I am all for new users presentations. e.g. My presentation on
> development languages and environments is meant as an introduction
> to Linux programming (yes, I'll send the abstract very soon).
> Personally I feel like a new user at most of the presentations.
> That's what makes it interesting for me. Learning things I didn't
> know before.
> 
> But how frequently do we want to have a presentation about "what is
> Linux"?
> 
> I hope we have new/curious users every meeting but eventually the
> new users will become more experienced.
> 
> So the challenge is how to facilitate the integration of new users;
> helping them understand the basic concepts that will, in turn, help
> them understand the topics presented. This has to be done on a
> regular basis as there will always be new users.
> 
> Here is some brainstorming (most have pros and cons: - Revive the
> 6:00 - 7:00 slot? or maybe the 6:30 - 7:00 slot; - Implement Bill's
> idea regarding having a volunteer every meeting go to a separate
> area and introduce new users to "What is linux?"; - Add a few pages
> to the KWLUG site with references and links to videos, tutorials
> and documents for new users. (We don't need to write them. there
> are enough resources available); - Have a volunteer host a "post
> meeting" gathering with new users; - Team with the Working Centre
> computer recycling program.  We can ask if they have volunteers
> interested on presenting Beginner Linux training classes. Or one of
> us could volunteer one hour once a month. e.g. me. Or even train
> the trainers.
> 
> Do the people in the list have more ideas? Remember, it is
> brainstorming. We can narrow down them later.
> 
> Raul Suarez
> 
> Technology consultant Software, Hardware and Practices 
> _________________ http://rarsa.blogspot.com/ An eclectic collection
> of random thoughts
> 
> 
> --- On Tue, 5/4/10, Paul Nijjar <paul_nijjar at yahoo.ca> wrote:
> 
>> From: Paul Nijjar <paul_nijjar at yahoo.ca> Subject: [kwlug-disc]
>> "What Linux Distro Should I Use?" To: kwlug-disc at kwlug.org 
>> Received: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 12:12 AM
>> 
>> Over the past few meetings I have been getting a bit of feedback
>> from new KWLUGgers. They have been telling me that while the 
>> meetings have been interesting, the content has been way over
>> their heads.
>> 
>> That got me thinking about another question I have been running
>> into: what linux distro people should start with.
>> 
>> One direction this takes me is to suggest that we make an 
>> explicit attempt to schedule some more newbie-friendly meetings,
>> and label them as such on the website.
>> 
>> Another horrible direction is that I have been pondering whether
>> to give a presentation on this topic. However, I don't know 
>> whether this is a terrible idea or just a really bad one. (Also,
>> the next available KWLUG slot is November, assuming Khalid,
>> Andrew, Brad or somebody else has not snapped it up already. I
>> would present sooner if I spoke at Software Freedom Day or
>> Ontario Linux Fest.)
>> 
>> Recently I heard Richard give this talk in five minutes. It was
>> pretty excellent. That leads me to believe that this might be a 
>> good final talk for the June meeting, if Richard or somebody was 
>> willing to risk his or her life by giving it.
>> 
>> Thoughts?