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Linux: The Beginners Guide
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Introduction:
A few months ago I was in a Technical Writing class at my local University. As part of the class we had to write some type of guide or brochure that could help both an organization and the public. Most people in the class choose to help out the red cross or homeless shelters making a brochure. Rather I spent my time writing a complete beginners guide on linux for Techwarelabs. So on the following 15 pages, you will hopefully see everything you want to know and maybe a little more. But do keep in mind this is a beginners guide, I will not be covering any technical problems.
Problem: Finding a New Operating System
Techwarelabs is a site that is dedicated to reviewing current computer technology for the public. One of the many services they give is extensive instructions on various products and software reviewed on the web site.
Many people on the internet are looking for a new way to view and use these products. In order to do this, computer users everywhere are starting to switch to an operating system known as Linux. Too many complaints from Windows users have caused a new trend in wanting to find a new operating system. The only problem is most people don’t know how to find an alternative to Windows, and then use it.
Several web sites have tried to create guides for people to install Linux on computers successfully. These online guides are created by computer gurus who produce bland and complex guides that are difficult for the average user to understand. Many of the guides are text based with little or no visual aid to help the user install and use Linux. There is yet to be a web site with the information on how to get a computer on Linux easily and with no questions asked.
Solution
To help educate the public about Linux, we have created an in-depth beginners guide that details every aspect required in making the switch to Linux. This guide will be intended for average computer users who are looking for an alternative to using Microsoft Windows. We split the guide into several sections, each focusing on important parts of Linux, these sections include:
1: Selecting the right distribution (differences between top 4 Linux Distributions)
-Where to download
-Which one is right for me?
-Downloading and burning to a CD
-Difference between Linux and Windows – (i.e. support, open source vs. closed source)
2: Installing Linux
-Only a how-to on Ubuntu
-Dual Booting: Why? How?
3: Configuring Linux
-How to use
-Familiarization with Desktop
-Documents
-Browsing Online
-Installing Applications
-Commands (terminal)
The overall objective is to create an easy to understand and all inclusive guide that anyone can use to help get started. Each of our sections will be as detailed as possible, but not flooded with technical information that might confuse a new user. The sections will convey ideas through detailed instructions, analogies to Windows and screen shots that show what exactly the user will should be seeing.