Comment Recomendation (Score 2, Insightful) 381
I'm a junior high student using linux on an iMac, here are my recomendations:
>1. Do they need to know how to install the OS >first, or should I let them look that up on >their own while I make them power-users?
Teach them how to install the OS. That was what I had problems with learning Linux, though distros have gotten a little easier to install since then.
>2. What distributions of Linux and BSD should >they be first introduced to? (I'm only familiar >with Debian, and I know virtually nil about *BSD.)
I would say Red Hat and FreeBSD, and possibly Darwin if they use a Mac. Red Hat is easiest to get used to from Windows (especially v.8). I use the version of Red Hat for PPC, Yellow Dog Linux. FreeBSD is supposed to be easiest to use of the BSDs, though the only BSD I've used is Darwin in OS X.
>3. Initially, do they need to be more adept at >the GUI, or do they first need to know how to use >the shell?
Teach them the basics of the GUI and major apps (eg. OpenOffice, Mozilla, Evolution) the first two days, then mainly concentrate on command line.
>4. Should I give away Debian CDs >no-questions-asked, or should I talk with the >almighty Parents so little Daniel doesn't install >Linux over Dad's 'work computer.'
I think there may be a distro of Linux that runs in Windows off a disc image, though I do not remember the name... If it works well enough give them a CD of it.
>5. Are there any other key issue I need to think >about?"
Show them gaim or another AIM client, and mention that they should switch from AOL. Almost every one at school I know uses AOL, except for a few people that have broadband
>1. Do they need to know how to install the OS >first, or should I let them look that up on >their own while I make them power-users?
Teach them how to install the OS. That was what I had problems with learning Linux, though distros have gotten a little easier to install since then.
>2. What distributions of Linux and BSD should >they be first introduced to? (I'm only familiar >with Debian, and I know virtually nil about *BSD.)
I would say Red Hat and FreeBSD, and possibly Darwin if they use a Mac. Red Hat is easiest to get used to from Windows (especially v.8). I use the version of Red Hat for PPC, Yellow Dog Linux. FreeBSD is supposed to be easiest to use of the BSDs, though the only BSD I've used is Darwin in OS X.
>3. Initially, do they need to be more adept at >the GUI, or do they first need to know how to use >the shell?
Teach them the basics of the GUI and major apps (eg. OpenOffice, Mozilla, Evolution) the first two days, then mainly concentrate on command line.
>4. Should I give away Debian CDs >no-questions-asked, or should I talk with the >almighty Parents so little Daniel doesn't install >Linux over Dad's 'work computer.'
I think there may be a distro of Linux that runs in Windows off a disc image, though I do not remember the name... If it works well enough give them a CD of it.
>5. Are there any other key issue I need to think >about?"
Show them gaim or another AIM client, and mention that they should switch from AOL. Almost every one at school I know uses AOL, except for a few people that have broadband
