I’m talking about like your mom if she started using Linux, and just needs it to be able to open a web browser and check Facebook or her email or something. A student that just needs a laptop to do homework and take notes, or someone that just wants to play games on Steam and chat on discord.

I’m working on a Windows - > Linux guide targeting people like this and I want to make sure it can be understood by just about anybody. A problem that I’ve noticed is that most guides trying to do something like this seem to operate under the assumption that the viewer already knows what Linux is and has already made up their mind about switching, or that they’re already pretty computer savvy. This guide won’t be that, I’m writing a guide and keeping my parents in mind the whole time.

Because of this there’s some things I probably won’t talk about. Do these people really need to know that it’s actually GNU+Linux? No, I don’t think so. Should I explain how to install, use and configure hyprland, or compile a custom gaming kernel? I dont think that’s really necessary. You get what I’m saying? I don’t want to over complicate this and scare people off.

That being said I also want to make sure that I’m not over simplifying by skipping on key things they should know. So what are some key concepts or things that you think even the most basic of Linux users should understand? Bonus points if you can provide a solid entry level explanation of it too.

  • pinball_wizard@lemmy.zip
    6·
    23 hours ago

    This thread is largely just basic computer skills advice that is necessary on Windows and Mac as well. (And that is great!)

    So I’ll add the ones we skipped that have nothing to do with OS at all, but are the usual issues for new PC users:

    • Give a quick overview of what the mouse is for.
    • Talk about or just disable the CAPSLOCK key.
    • Show them where to find and how to read the “do I have Internet?” icon (usually in the lower right, regardless of OS)
    • (If not a laptop) Teach them that the monitor and the PC have separate power buttons. Maybe leave a sign out that says “Push both buttons to turn on.”

    And as others have said:

    • Show them how to search for and add software using the software center, (rather than download from random websites)