entry level information

[John]

Anne Wilson wrote:
> 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.
>   
I just about choked last night; I work 2nd shift hours and had to go in 
early Saturday for ot. By the time I was able to check email last night 
(approx 24hr time period), I had like 420 emails from the list.

> 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
>
>
>