entry level information

[Anne Wilson]

On Sunday 03 June 2007 17:24:38 Bill Thompson wrote:
> I am interested in using Fedora 7. I am a computer USER. I do not have time
> to learn programming but I am willing to learn Fedora speak if I had access
> to an entry level guide to the terminology.
>
>  I tried to use Fedora 6 it installed easily but I quickly became
> frustrated with my inability to understand the language and concepts for
> finding and adding applications.
>
>
>
> My interest in Fedora are the reputation for stability, and it is the
> anti-microsoft, i.e. open sourced, non monopolistic, based on the concept
> of community. I just need an immigrants guide, a settlement agency and some
> Q&As in non-Fedoraese.
>
>
>
> I think there is a large group of PC users who want off the Microsoft bus
> especially after hearing of the problems with Vista.
>
>
>
> Any help out there for those of us seeking refugee status?
>
Hi, Bill.  First, just a personal opinion.  I wouldn't advise anyone 
absolutely new to linux to install a version that has only been out a few 
days.  Wait a couple of weeks, for things to settle down.  More experienced 
users will have found the problems and the work-arounds for them, while bugs 
are being fixed.

OK - that said, the main thing that a truly new user needs is a support 
system.  You'll find that any distribution you choose will have at least one 
mailing list.  A list like this one tends to have a huge amount of traffic 
for the first week or two after a new release.  If you can live with that, 
stay with it and read all you can.  You'll not understand too much at first, 
but you'll gradually absorb quite a lot.

You're bound to have lots of questions, and you can start as soon as you like 
asking them.  Someone will have the answer.  Don't be put off if you don't 
understand an answer - just ask for clarification.

One last thing - if you can find a Linux User Group near you, join it.  
There's usually a good mix of conversation and beer :-)  They can be 
immensely helpful.

Anne