[nzlug] SeniorNet "helper" wants to uninstall Linux off my parents' computer

[Martin Bähr]

On Mon, Mar 19, 2007 at 09:50:55AM +1200, Martin Kealey wrote:
> Apart from me letting off steam, does anyone have any *useful* advice on how
> to proceed?
> (c) take a week off and spend it tutoring my folks, before they get
> corrupted

maybe not a week, but a few weekends,

i had the same thing happen 15 years ago, after my grandparents got a
brandnew computer with OS/2 on it. on my next visit, their system was
replaced with windows installed by a friendly 'helper'. since i moved in
th my grandparents place at that time, the solution was easy, i
installed linux, and was of course always around to help. and by now
my grandmother has built up some anti-linux resistance.

and you forgot one more option:
find a local linux user that can help them (and replace the seniornet
guy)(where is orewa?)
 
> (d) find some way to reeducate SeniorNet on the ills of what they're doing
> (e.g. threaten to report them to the BSA) or on the joys of Linux (which
> ones?) I think what I need is a "killer app". Something like a recipe
> database or a genealogy research tool would be ideal.

get some advice from people who have experience with supporting older
people in the way seniornet would do it. helios from lobby4linux is a
high profile person who has done work in that area and written about it.
http://lobby4linux.com/
http://blog.lobby4linux.com/
http://blog.lobby4linux.com/archives/70-86-Year-Old-Great-Grandmother-Hoists-The-Jolly-Roger.html

greetings, martin.
-- 
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Martin Bähr       http://www.iaeste.or.at/~mbaehr/