[svlug] Mercury News mainstream article about Linux in schools

[Jeff Shippen]

I totally agree with you, Christian.  The fact of the matter is, Linux 
is both free, and it is freedom.  If what you are looking for is free, I 
don't see a problem with pitching it as free.  The problem lies with 
freedom being a some what difficult concept for many to grasp.  I grew 
up here in America, a "free country", but what does that mean?  I'm not 
free to do what I want, when I want, how I want.  It is a concept that 
is a bit difficult to grasp at first, and requires brain power, time and 
energy, and the desire to understand.

As with anything, there are many different stages and things in learning 
Linux.  Here is a brief list, for example:

    * Obtaining Linux, and likely, how to burn an ISO to cd properly
    * Installation of the OS
    * Creating a user account and password
    * Using Command Line
    * Using GUI
    * Vocabulary
    * Names of applications
    * Creators & Origination
    * Licensing
    * Concept of Freedom applied to software
    * Price
    * Choice of Distros

And the list goes on, so where do you start?  It depends first on the 
target truly needs and the experience they already have.  It also 
depends on your goals when doing your pitching.  If your goals are to 
educate people about Linux, you may pitch the freedom part, if your 
goals are to get people using Linux, you may have a better chance 
limiting it all to the most basic understanding.  Most people already 
know about Mac and Windows, so I simply explain, "You have a choice in 
computers, Windows or Mac, right?" They agree, so I go on, "there is one 
another alternative, called Linux".  In Windows and Mac, you can get the 
same thing done, but it looks different, and often slightly different 
ways to do it.  Same holds true for Linux, but the best part is, Linux 
is FREE (as in beer).  Created and maintained by volunteers that wanted 
another choice.  I could go into the whole beginning of Unix, Linus, and 
Stallman, and the freedom, but in most cases, that is a huge distraction 
from both my goals - 1) sparking an interest in Linux, 2) Not 
overwhelming info, and 3) giving them the basic info that is easy to 
understand.  Then I simply answer questions they have, and it builds up 
from there.

I don't want to tell them a list of problems they might have when they 
try to use it, instead, I ask how was it, they tell me their experience, 
and I offer solutions.  This helps keep confidence level high when 
trying Linux as a noob.

Also, keep in mind, Linux is not for everybody, just as Windows is not 
for everybody.  However, it may not be so much limitations of the 
operating system as it is limitations of applications available for OS.

Jeff
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