[Gslug-general] Linux (Ubuntu?) for Seniors Project?

[Paul Bartell]

I think that putting moblin or a similiar dumbed down interface on the
computers would be better. Make it so simple, that they dont need at
teacher and can learn on their own. Or better yet, make a curriculum,
or use the ubuntu desktop training course (or a modified version
without the unneeded things)

On Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 3:34 PM, Ken Meyer <kmeyer at blarg.net> wrote:
> I think that this is a great idea.  Hoping not to appear to be, or create
> the effect of, a "wet blanket", I only wish to call your attention to the
> fact that this is not a "install and forget" activity.  There was, in fact,
> a volunteer effort to install Linux at the Green Lake Senior Center, at
> least on their server, and it required a lot of effort before I believe the
> whole thing was scrapped to install Windows when the Center got some grant
> or other.
>
> Although it may be possible for those acquainted with Windows to transition
> without too much help, many of those who will be interested will not be
> clueful at all, and I can assure you from personal experience that these
> people often have little patience and expect the box to voluntarily do
> back-flips for them, having perhaps been oversold about the magic of
> computers or just being legitimately old-age cranky.  One will have all
> sorts of exasperated calls about both legit crashes and misconceptions about
> how the computers operate.
>
> The library and many technology centers provide classes, but I doubt whether
> those people know much about Linux.
>
> There are also other organizations that already refurb computers for these
> purposes, but I don't know what they do about providing an O/S that is
> equally affordable as a refurbed machine.  I know that M$ at one time was
> giving these organizations a hard time about re-installing Windows, even if
> the machine came from the original owner with a legit copy installed.
> Perhaps they have relented on that subject.
>
> I would recommend that the group do some serious research into partnerships
> with the refurbers and try to learn about how similar programs elsewhere
> have fared, successful or not or just getting advice.
>
> Again, I think that this is a most worthy endeavor, but please do not go
> into it naively.  If people are left in the lurch with a Linux machine that
> frustrates them, even if they have totally unrealistic expectations, or do
> not have two functioning brain cells to rub together, it will become a black
> mark for Linux.
>
> Ken M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From: gslug-general-bounces at gslug.org
> [mailto:gslug-general-bounces at gslug.org]
> On Behalf Of Michael_Faraday
> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 12:25 PM
> To: Gslug-general at gslug.org
>
> Subject: [Gslug-general] Linux (Ubuntu?) for Seniors Project?
> All,
>
> A staffer at the North Shore Senior Center in Bothell told me they get many
> donated desktop computers they cannot use in the center. Some are too old.
> Some are too much trouble to configure like their existing
> continuing-education computers.
>
> I'm wondering whether anyone wants to look into getting some going with a
> non-geeky Linux for low-income seniors. Your thoughts?
>
> Steven
>
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