__/ [gregjgman@xxxxxxxxx] on Thursday 09 February 2006 18:06 \__
> I'm getting ready to buy a new computer for my parents.
>
> They are NOT tech savvy and it's a pain for them to update antivirus
> software etc....
I feel your pain. I have to maintain my parents' computers whenever I come. I
urge them to move to Linux (albeit I fear becoming the teacher or 'support
guy'), but they are still at that earlier step, which is using Open Source
software like Firefox and Thunderbird. I installed some Web-based
applications for them too, which makes them platform-independent already.
The only issue at the moment is my little sister who plays computer games on
both computer and my older sister who works for MS-inclined IT companies. I
suppose you have none of these issues and can also sort out dual-boot,if
required.
> I played around with Mandrake and Redhat Linux a few years ago, but it
> still seemed to require a geek to tweak it properly.
When I used Red Hat back in 2000, I too thought that Linux lagged behind
Windows in terms of ease-of-use. Fortunately (for the argument here),
Windows has made no significant progress since. It has devolved into an O/S
that requires extra skills (security-related) and is more prone to breakage.
> But the following article has inspired me to rethink my attitude
> towards Linux
>
> http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,184234,00.html
>
> One advantage I would see of using Linux for my parents' computer is
> that they would be less prone to viruses correct?
Yes. See above.
> And we'd save a lot of money on getting them a computer without an OS
> loaded.
Make sure you buy from a shop or vendor that clearly separates the hardware
from the software. Find out if there are *additional* fees for Windows.
Don't let them rip you off or pocket the margin they save on the licences.
> But the issue that I ran into when setting up my dual boot with Linux a
> few years ago was back then, I was on dialup and would have needed a
> special winmodem to dial up on line with Linux.
Check what modem they have.
> My parents are still on dial-up and are not likely to be going
> broadband any time soon.
Either way, modems are not expensive in comparison with a brand-new computer.
Some Winmodems may work 'out of the box' with Linux, but I am not qualified
to comment on that further.
> Would this still be an issue today with the right distribution of
> Linux?
You could probably check the manufacturer's Web site.
> If I got them Linux and Open Office, would all of their computer needs
> be met if all they do is use it to surf and send e-mail?
>
> Greg
Definitely. If they ever need more, you would better ask them. Gaming is the
only drawback I can think of. Will they play Quake 3? *smile*
Best wishes,
Roy
--
Roy S. Schestowitz | GPL'd 3-D Othello: http://othellomaster.com
http://Schestowitz.com | SuSE Linux | PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E
6:35pm up 23 days 13:51, 11 users, load average: 1.28, 0.92, 0.74
http://iuron.com - Open Source knowledge engine project
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