[clue] Suggesting a New Approach

[M Paul Webb]

My recent first time experience of
installing Ubuntu on someone else's computer, (which was the very
first time such an installation was not simple for me), and the
manner in which Charles Burton offered to be an in-person backup, if
necessary, has led me to believe that Denver's Linux User Group
should consider an entirely new structure and approach for replacing
or augmenting Installfests. This approach will take some time to
develop, but it has advantages.

Currently, Installfests are at two
locations, north and south, which are still a long distance of travel
for a lot of people interested in trying Linux (as well as myself),
and held at each location only every other month, which is not
necessarily convenient timing for everyone. The environment at an
Installfest of a lot of computer professionals and geeks can actually
be intimidating for many people; and the cost of the gas to travel to
the location, or having pizza and drinks can actually be a
prohibitive element for some. And the Installfests require a heavy
commitment and burden for at least a few members of the group.

I think instead of Installfests, or in
addition to, a network of installers should  be set up. An installer
is group member who will commit to meet with someone for an
installation at least one time a week, or even up to one time every
six weeks. He/she will be a trained computer person, or an advanced
computer user, or someone the group trains. He/she will find
locations near his/her residence with a good internet connection for
installations. The group will put out public information that they
will help on installations. When a person contacts the group, the
closest installer will be connected with him/her to arrange a
meeting. Then, the installation is accomplished or an assessment is
made on what additional information and help may be necessary to
accomplish the installation. If the installation is complicated due
to unique factors, the installer gets additional help from more
advanced group members, and another meeting is set to finish the
installation.

Perhaps, due to possible meeting
locations, at first this approach will only work with laptops. But
more and more people are using laptops. There is a great computer
connection at the new Wendy's near my house, and the local library
has meeting rooms and a connection, but it only really works on the
second floor.

Also, after Linux is installed for
someone, it can take weeks for a new user to learn how to use the OS,
and this may result in his/her just giving up. Thus, I think a video
should  be made on the very simple basics that can be put on a disc
or the computer with the installation that the new user can review –
or at least a  link should be found for a YouTube video. Also, the
installer should offer to have a follow up meeting with the new user
to go over how to navigate the OS.

For the network of installers, for just
advanced users or people trained, the offer of installation should be
just for Ubuntu and Linux Mint, to keep things simple. More
sophisticated installations can be set up for better trained members
with a less flexible system.

I would be willing to try to be an
installer. So please give this some time to think over.

Take care now,
Paul 
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