Foolproofing Fedora

[Kam Leo]

On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 04:50:17 -0800 (PST), Ryan Turner
<ryanjturner at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I am seeking tips and advice on how to set up an idiot
> proof fedora installation.  My mother just purchased a
> new PC to replace her aging iMac and ancient Win98 PC,
> and I suggested she try Linux.  Of course, she's not
> an idiot; but after having to explain the difference
> between Linux and Microsoft Word, I think a few extra
> steps are in order.  We purchased a computer that came
> pre-installed with Linspire, but, distasteful of the
> notion of paying for free software (through their CNR
> service), I opted for Fedora Core 3.
> 
> Specifically, I'm seeking for help with a two things:
> I want to remove the Red Hat Network update icon in
> the system tray; and run up2date from a cron job.  I'm
> comfortable with automatically installing everything
> up2date suggests (including new kernels, so I'd like
> to remove that mask if its imposed at the up2date
> level).
> 
> Secondly, I'd like to modify what appears in the
> Applications menu (in Gnome).  Some of the things
> listed there are totally extraneous for new Linux
> users.  I'd like to simplify the interface so that
> Applications she needs will stick out, so she won't
> have to go hunting for them.
> 
> Finally, as a bonus, is it possible to remove the
> "Open Terminal" command from when you right-click on
> the gnome desktop?  Though I didn't like Linspire
> myself, I was amazed at how well they "protected"
> completely ignorant users from the power of the
> terminal.
> 
> Thanks a lot.  I appreciate any UI-simplifying tips
> anyone has to offer.
> 
> Ryan Turner
> 

Download the Ubuntu Linux Live-CD and give it a try.  Their release
cycle may be more appropriate for your mother.