[TriLUG] Deploying Linux to...Aunt Marge

Jim Ray jim at neuse.net
Sat Feb 25 15:57:53 EST 2006


the question is not so much related to which linux distro to use as it 
is related to what applications run on linux.  let's take my 3 year old 
son's PC as an example prior to me dropping it on the concrete sidewalk 
last month and hosing the box.  i installed ubuntu.  open office and 
firefox could handle most of the apps you mentioned.  however, some of 
the plugins for firefox that let him view the material at 
http://www.pbskids.org were difficult to install or did not work.  so, i 
ended up going back to windows xp pro for him.

for myself, i use open office on windows (my accounting, quickbooks, and 
web design, dreamweaver, apps won't run on linux).  nonetheless, i am 
able to work on a team that emails around a *.ppt file, manipulate the 
file with open office, email it to the team members and have them use 
powerpoint with no compatibility problems whatsoever.  i have received 
highly formatted word *.doc files that looked funny in open office.  i 
simply tell the authors to get a life and move on.

hth,

jim

Jim Ray, President
Neuse River Network, Inc.

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James Brigman wrote:

>Hey guys;
>
>We on the list talk a great deal about ease of installation and use, and
>kubuntu comes to the top in all those discussions. But I don't recall
>any "road test discussions" where we've honestly tested how well a Linux
>system copes with windows-oriented media coming off the 'net.
>
>I can see *some* Win-oriented media content on my own Linux boxes, but
>to tell you the truth, if I get an attachment I can't see with
>OpenOffice apps, I throw it away. I've treated that stuff like spam, but
>now I realize a tremendous amount of windows (or Mac .avi) content runs
>over the 'net that I don't even try to look at or listen to.
>
>So, rather than this being a simple "What's the best Linux for Aunt
>Marge" question, what I'm asking is, "What's the best Linux for Aunt
>Marge that won't make her ask me to re-install Windows a week later?"
>
>Which of the widely-used Linux distros is best for handling all types of
>web content, doing home office type work (word, excel, powerpoint, maybe
>project), burning CD's, uploading, managing and printing pics from a
>digital camera, fresh and capable Firefox implementation with all the
>good plugins, sending/receiving email and handling windows-oriented
>media or email attachments? For this type of thing, does kubuntu rise to
>the top of the heap again? I know Knoppix is a good "try before you buy"
>option, but is it as good as kubuntu for installation and long term use?
>
>Note: No dogma, flame wars, opinion or speculation. War stories and
>experiences welcomed and solicited.
>
>JKB
>
>  
>


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