iB::Topic::After HDinstall Howto

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Topic: After HDinstall Howto

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clivesay

Group: Guests
Posts: 935
Joined: Dec. 2003

Posted: Jan. 16 2004,04:50

Vacendak -

Here is my input:

I am a true beginner to Linux. Not only am I a beginner but I am also strictly a user. I have no programming/development background. I think the real key in creating documentation is making sure that it is written in a way that is very basic so that a USER can decipher what is being explained. My experience in the Linux forums is that when answers are given to problems, some steps are left out because a programmer/developer makes an assumption that the person has a basic knowledge of programming. For a user, that creates quick frustration. The fact is that developers and users are very different animals. They speak different languages. I see it first hand because I work as a kind of liason between the two every day at work. For many users, the thought of typing a command at a command prompt can cause an increased heartbeat and sweaty palms!

I really love learning DSL not only for the distro itself but for the people that support this forum. All of you have been great to me. With my NFP organization, I have a real drive to find a Linux solution.

My recommendation is to make your documentation as detailed as possible. I hope everyone is patient with people like me! I am telling you that when Linux gets to the point that regular users feel comfortable with handling configurations of drivers and WM's people will migrate by the millions! Word of mouth is the most powerful type of advertisement there is!

clivesay

cbagger01

Group: Members
Posts: 4264
Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Jan. 16 2004,04:59

I agree and think that the best thing for a person giving an answer to do is:

If the answer is a series of command-line instructions, then give the answer in the form of a script.

In this way, the use will receive the EXACT steps required to resolve the problem.

hasty

Group: Members
Posts: 280
Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Jan. 16 2004,19:44

Good idea.......I hope you can carry it out.

I agree with cbagger
>If the answer is a series of command-line instructions, then give the answer in the form of a script.<

Especially if you annotate the script with lots of rems.

That way newbies can understand and learn at the same time. The fact that DSL is so pared down and easy to reboot/install makes it a great learning tool for beginners.

It doesn't matter if you make a complete balls up as you can just reboot. Try that with one of the larger distros that come on three CDs

Vacendak

Group: Members
Posts: 24
Joined: Nov. 2003

Posted: Jan. 16 2004,21:10

OK guys here's my plan. First off most of the stuff I will be talking about is command line stuff and I am assuming the reader has no command line or linux experience so it will start off by explaining how to get to the command line. In fluxbox right click on your mouse then left click on Xshell then left click rxvt from there I intend to explain exactly what to put in type "sudo dpkg-restore" without the quotes I will be explaining exactly what that does and what is happening when you do that. Does this sound like a good idea or should I try something different? I want this be helpfull and not cryptic and your experiences will help me to make this better.

Thank You
Vacendak