[PLUG] Guiding Windows user to Linux

[Richard Owlett]

On 10/08/2021 09:32 AM, Ben Koenig wrote:
> Good questions:
> 1) No. This is typically distro specific and only applies to end-user
> "desktop" distributions.

That would not be a problem. It would be primarily a common frame of 
reference. And as I would not be the author, it would prompt them to ask 
a different set of questions than I would think of.

> If such a document does exist I would check with projects like Linux Mint.

I'll search for Linux Mint info.

> Debian is unlikely to have what you are looking for.
> 
> 2) Yes and no.. theyve been moving stuff around and in many ways windows10
> resembles your average linux desktop. While the terminology still exists
> it does not match what you might expect from xp or 7 so I dont recommend
> relying on it.

I need to know how big a drive they have and how much free space.
Suggestion on how to phrase the question clearly in an email? If they 
and I were going to be home at the same time this weekend I would just 
call them.

> 
> Whatever you do dont give them gnome or ubuntu. Things won't end well :(

*ROFL!*
Ubuntu is reason I run Debian.
Gnome3 is the reason I use MATE.

> -Ben
> 
> Sent from ProtonMail mobile

Thank you.

> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> On Oct 8, 2021, 7:02 AM, Richard Owlett wrote:
> 
>> I've been providing informal support to a local couple for decades. He
>> is a retired pastor, now a missionary. A few years ago they bought a
>> computer from a local big box store. It has problems and customer
>> support has been inadequate. As part of my support for the missions
>> agency, I'll be purchasing a replacement. As I've not used Windows since
>> WinXP and they are pure Windows users I will set it up to dual boot
>> Windows and Debian. I've bought several refurbished machines from a
>> local company and have watched them deal with non-techie customers. That
>> will provide expert Windows support if/when needed.
>>
>> My immediate questions:
>> 1. Is there any site that explains to a non-techie the differences
>> between Windows and Linux and the advantages of using Linux?.
>> Preferably *without* describing "how-to".
>> [ From my side the advantage is using maintenance tools
>> I'm familiar with.]
>> 2. Do recent versions of Windows still have icons titled "Windows
>> Explorer" and "My Computer"?
>> [ As we'll not be meeting for about a week I'm asking them for some
>> details of their current hardware. I'm suspicious that they may be
>> low on free disk space.]
>>
>> TIA