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

[Michael Adams]

On Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:50:55 +1200 (NZST)
Martin Kealey wrote:

> and put Windows ME on it. Without buying a licence. Or any A/V
> software.
> 

I'm a part time SeniorNet volunteer tutor. All SeniorNet tutors are
volunteers, and 90% are previous SenoirNet classmates. They are freely
propogating their knowledge about computers using the systems they know
and use. The course fees pay for course books and classroom costs. 

They learn one OS, one Word Processor, one Database, one Spreadsheet,
and importantly one Email Program. Here in Napier that is XP+ Works+
Word+ Outlook Express. It aint pretty, but it works. The course material
is often written by SenoirNet members who have outside experience. The
material is far more rigid and step by step than any tertiary material i
have ever come across. Trying to change any of it would throw not just
the class members into a loop, but the tutors.

What it comes down to is this; valuable paid manuals aside, if you
cannot give 5 hours free support per week for 40 weeks you cannot
compete with SeniorNet. These courses are 2 hours per week with a ratio
of one tutor + 2 assistants to five course members. Any students
that need the extra get free phone support of tutors home phones
and free home visits if needed. That is what SeniorNet tutors/members
are prepared to give. If a course member doesn't make it through (ie
doesn't get it) they can resit the course for free.

An example of my basic course tutoring:
"The mouse pointer, on the screen, is like this biro. It is the very tip
of the arrow that does the work. So we put the tip where we want to
click, not the whole arrow, otherwise we could click above where we
intend." - This is repeated each week as necessary during the course
in addition to the manual work.

*** the downside ***
I have on average one member or couple in my beginners classes that need
to get their computer fixed per six week course; with Viruses, hand me
downs, and incompatible software being the major reasons. Often they
just sigh, feel they were somehow to blame because they didn't
understand it enough, then just bite the bullet and pay. Surprisingly
only 1/100 (my estimate) drop out before learning email.

I didn't say it was a perfect system, but it seems to work and be self
perpetuating.

*** Summary ***
Given the horrendous dearth of user centric OSS manuals, let alone ones
aimed this finely, it would take a real protracted effort by the
linux/OSS community to come anywhere near close.

It would probably be better to evaluate all of this and perhaps roll
over and ask the local SenoirNet exactly what the optimum configuration
is that they require. Most members are happy to pay to get exactly the
configuration needed. I'm not saying it's pretty, but it is surprisingly
well structured and it works well for most seniors that are prepared to
make the effort.

*** Apologies ***
1. Each SeniorNet is mainly autonomous so i can only be quoted on facts
as they relate to Napier.
2. I have tried to introduce OSS
3. This was going to be a 2 line reply %) sorry for the bandwidth.

*** Your dads mouse problem ***
What is it, in detail?
 - Arthritis
 - Running off the mat
 - Overenthusiasm (clicking while moving the mouse)
 - Mis-clicking
 - Trying to click with the pointer not the tip
 - Heel of palm off the desk
 - Clicking both buttons at once
 - Holding a button down without noticing
These are just some of the issues i have seen. Narrow it down and i may
provide a solution. But for now - does he know solitaire.
I have used several solutions. The most drastic being a NZ$400.00
English brick with a 80mm billiard ball, mounted on 5 20mm ball bearings
as a trackball, with XP's mouse-xy speed set on minimum, bluetacked to
the desk. People with cerebral palsy can use this beast as it stays
still while the buttons are being found and while the wrist rolls the
ball.
http://assistive.traxsys.com/staticproduct.asp?strAreaNo=2001_1&intElement=314
If you want the six button model:
http://www.spectronics.co.nz/product.asp?product=15496#prices 
Get a fair quality box for that LOL

-- 
Michael
Linux: The OS people choose without $200,000,000 of persuasion.