Is Ubuntu Linux ready for the average Mom/Pop home User?

[Choppie]

Is the latest version of Ubuntu Linux ready for the average Mom/Pop home user? Email, Internet Banking, Photos from the kids on a flash drive, Printing boarding passes, and basic internet browsing and computer use for a retired Mom/Pop? I'm looking at testing this out with a client or two whom I have been servicing for many years, and may be willing to be a "tester". I have been thinking about this for quite some time, and although it will require setting up some basic short-cut icons on the desk top for LebreOffice and a few web site shortcuts, I am starting to believe this may actually work? Has anyone tried this and how is it working out. What type of client would you attempt this endeavor on? I will report my findings in this thread as the issues arise from my CrashDummy clients...

...C

 

[trevm999]

From what I remember from reading other threads, most did not think it was ready. Some had tried loading it on for customers but those customers then required a lot more support. On the other hand, HP is going to start selling an All-in-One with Ubuntu.

My in-laws are in India right now with my Ubuntu netbook and they seem to be doing fine enough that I have loaded it on their computer at home. I think the learning curve from Windows to Ubuntu isn't quite as big as from Windows to Mac, but there are some similarities.

The biggest thing to watch for is what they are using or want to use for accessories. If they have an iDevice they currently sync up or they might get on. Or maybe down the road they might want to get a component that you can forsee difficulties. The biggest thing to watch for would be what they want to do about printing. If they are not buying a new printer, make sure you find out about their old printer. You might have to install TurboPrint to use their old one.

It is certainly not something I would recommend to all customers, I would never install Ubuntu on my parents' computer, it would be a support nightmare. Do your research, get a feel for the customer, and let us know how it goes!

 

[Choppie]

From what I remember from reading other threads, most did not think it was ready. Some had tried loading it on for customers but those customers then required a lot more support. On the other hand, HP is going to start selling an All-in-One with Ubuntu.

My in-laws are in India right now with my Ubuntu netbook and they seem to be doing fine enough that I have loaded it on their computer at home. I think the learning curve from Windows to Ubuntu isn't quite as big as from Windows to Mac, but there are some similarities.

The biggest thing to watch for is what they are using or want to use for accessories. If they have an iDevice they currently sync up or they might get on. Or maybe down the road they might want to get a component that you can forsee difficulties. The biggest thing to watch for would be what they want to do about printing. If they are not buying a new printer, make sure you find out about their old printer. You might have to install TurboPrint to use their old one.

It is certainly not something I would recommend to all customers, I would never install Ubuntu on my parents' computer, it would be a support nightmare. Do your research, get a feel for the customer, and let us know how it goes!

Thanks Trevm999

Some very good points. I will keep them in mind when I do the first install...

...C

 

[pctutor]

Yeah, I don't think the average user is ready yet. Windows is just too entrenched and it's what everyone is used to. There are exceptions of course - people that are very open to change and want to learn something new. But the average computer user doesn't even like their desktop icons to be rearranged - much less learn a whole new system

Scott
ComputerTutorFlorida.com

 

[nlinecomputers]

Is the latest version of Ubuntu Linux ready for the average Mom/Pop home user? Email, Internet Banking, Photos from the kids on a flash drive, Printing boarding passes, and basic internet browsing and computer use for a retired Mom/Pop? I'm looking at testing this out with a client or two whom I have been servicing for many years, and may be willing to be a "tester". I have been thinking about this for quite some time, and although it will require setting up some basic short-cut icons on the desk top for LebreOffice and a few web site shortcuts, I am starting to believe this may actually work? Has anyone tried this and how is it working out. What type of client would you attempt this endeavor on? I will report my findings in this thread as the issues arise from my CrashDummy clients...

...C

Most of those kind of clients have moved to iPads and are very happy with them. iPad a bluetooth keyboard and a iPad friendly printer and your are set.

 

[tankman1989]

Not with the current default DE in Ubuntu. I really hate whatever it is called, Unity maybe? Basically they did away with the "applications" and such in the top left for the vertical column of icons on the left. Sure you can type in whatever it is you are looking for, but I've found that type of feature is best utilized with moderate to advanced users. Newer users need to be given a graphical display of options like they did in 11.10 and before.

I would look a Kubuntu or Lubuntu. I like those more than Ubuntu. It's basically just a different desktop environment (DE), some faster, some better looking. I like the KDE more than the GNOME anyway except for the naming of the programs.

 

[coffee]

Is the latest version of Ubuntu Linux ready for the average Mom/Pop home user? Email, Internet Banking, Photos from the kids on a flash drive, Printing boarding passes, and basic internet browsing and computer use for a retired Mom/Pop? I'm looking at testing this out with a client or two whom I have been servicing for many years, and may be willing to be a "tester". I have been thinking about this for quite some time, and although it will require setting up some basic short-cut icons on the desk top for LebreOffice and a few web site shortcuts, I am starting to believe this may actually work? Has anyone tried this and how is it working out. What type of client would you attempt this endeavor on? I will report my findings in this thread as the issues arise from my CrashDummy clients...

...C

I havent read the other comments yet as Im short on time and have a computer install scheduled. But I can tell you that I had quite a few customers using ubuntu and decided to move them to Linux Mint instead.

Linux mint will be alot easier to move around in and is quite stable. Its built on the ubuntu base so it has all the bells and whistles that linux ubuntu has. However, It does not have the unity desktop which I think is pretty stupid. You can choose from quite a few desktop versions also.

Ubuntu (IMHO) is moving in directions that are not good. They are working with china, Screwing up the desktop and also spying on users for advertising purposes. This does not work in my book.

Try Mint instead. Its a very nice OS and even my computer illiterate girlfriend can use it and likes it. My customers also enjoy it alot.

Best Regards,

coffee

Addition: Clients that seem to do very well with linux are not interested in games as much as getting their email, Surfing the net, Working with documents and spreadsheets. My father is a lawyer and vacations now about twice a year in Flordia and Mexico. I took his Lenevo thinkpad and put linux mint on it. I would say he is computer challenged. But he emailed me from Mexico and couldnt talk enough about how he loved it!

Just size up your customer. If they have kids that want to play the latest, greatest games then its not going to be a good fit. However, For the customer that is tieird of viruses and stupid bloatware and just want to surf the net and get email its a great fit.

I also install teamviewer on their laptop. If they have a problem I offer remote support for only 35 bucks an hour. This is a small price and some will argue that its not enough. However, At that price point I bring in more revenue and customers do not look at the cost as excessive. Therefore, They will call more often when they have a problem.

Best programs to install for the customer -

1. Teamviewer
2. LibreOffice
3. Skype
4. Firefox
5. Warzone 2100 (gotta love that game it can be quite adicting!! )
6. Thunderbird email

 

[Choppie]

I havent read the other comments yet as Im short on time and have a computer install scheduled. But I can tell you that I had quite a few customers using ubuntu and decided to move them to Linux Mint instead.

Linux mint will be alot easier to move around in and is quite stable. Its built on the ubuntu base so it has all the bells and whistles that linux ubuntu has. However, It does not have the unity desktop which I think is pretty stupid. You can choose from quite a few desktop versions also.

Ubuntu (IMHO) is moving in directions that are not good. They are working with china, Screwing up the desktop and also spying on users for advertising purposes. This does not work in my book.

Try Mint instead. Its a very nice OS and even my computer illiterate girlfriend can use it and likes it. My customers also enjoy it alot.

Best Regards,

coffee

Addition: Clients that seem to do very well with linux are not interested in games as much as getting their email, Surfing the net, Working with documents and spreadsheets. My father is a lawyer and vacations now about twice a year in Flordia and Mexico. I took his Lenevo thinkpad and put linux mint on it. I would say he is computer challenged. But he emailed me from Mexico and couldnt talk enough about how he loved it!

Just size up your customer. If they have kids that want to play the latest, greatest games then its not going to be a good fit. However, For the customer that is tieird of viruses and stupid bloatware and just want to surf the net and get email its a great fit.

I also install teamviewer on their laptop. If they have a problem I offer remote support for only 35 bucks an hour. This is a small price and some will argue that its not enough. However, At that price point I bring in more revenue and customers do not look at the cost as excessive. Therefore, They will call more often when they have a problem.

Best programs to install for the customer -

1. Teamviewer
2. LibreOffice
3. Skype
4. Firefox
5. Warzone 2100 (gotta love that game it can be quite adicting!! )
6. Thunderbird email

Awesome reply!

Will Mint install as easy as Ubuntu? And will it be able to find all the drivers as easily as Ubuntu? From your comparison, I will have to say Mint would be my best choice on my CrashDummy.

...C

 

[drpcfix]

It depends on how you define average mom/pop home user - I vote it's not ready, but it's very close.

Here are some things to think about;

They buy their kid an iPod, how hard will it be for them to sync/use/etc?

Their kid has Word at school, starts homework, works on it with their friend, brings a usb stick home to finish - what happens?

I know fans will say libre office is compatible, but I've been using it on my mac - it just isn't there.

Subtleties in the formats make strange things happen, you see weird symbols, images are in the wrong spot or missing, etc.

Outside of these, and a couple other edge cases - great.

As long as you get the thing online, and it's wired, and never have wifi problems


We use it on servers and in the shop - and are huge fans of ubuntu/linux - and we tried this a few years ago - I don't think all these kinks are worked out.

 

[compnet]

Judging from the respones on this forum about windows 8, any OS without the windows 95 start menu will be doomed to fail..

Maybe someone makes a crappy 3rd party start menu for unity.

 

[nlinecomputers]

It's called KDE. LOL.

 

[River Valley Computer]

Well - we are taking a step to test the waters. We ended up with 8 Compaq slim work stations several years ago from a school system that was upgrading their computer labs. They have 512MB with a 40-60 MB HDD. What we plan on doing is setting them up with either Puppy Linux or Mint. A small LCD monitor, keyboard and mouse. Put LibreOffice, Firefox, etc. on them and sell them for around $129. Kind of a prototype to see how 'user friendly' Linux will be. Anything has to be better than Windows 8. We get an average of 3-4 customers a day wanting us to do something about Windows 8 on their new computers.

I talked to the Manager of the local Staples yesterday and he told me this is the worst three months in his 18 years of Staples management as far as computer returns. He said he has over 40 returned since Jan 15th. - WOW.

I'm not saying this is the answer for everyone but a large mass of our customers are older and not needing all the bells and whistles of Win 7 or 8.

 

[TriadPCSolutions]

Awesome reply!

Will Mint install as easy as Ubuntu? And will it be able to find all the drivers as easily as Ubuntu? From your comparison, I will have to say Mint would be my best choice on my CrashDummy.

...C

I would say yes to all of the above, mint is very strongly based on ubuntu. Uses the same repositories for software etc... (IE if it's in ubuntu's applications list, it is also in mints), as well it works with all of the same files (IE if online somewhere has an ubuntu

Drivers I would say the same, if anything mint seems to work better for me on that end, in mint a pretty obscure printer I had (minolta 2400w) worked straight out of the box, and so far I haven't run into a system that mint had any driver issues with.

Between mint and ubuntu, I would say mint is absolutely a good choice, especially for the users whom greatly dislike the new interface of windows 8, default settings in mint are far closer to what users of 7 and XP are used to.

 

[16k_zx81]

This question, or some variant of it, comes up on the forum about every 6mnths

The answer is invariably, no, with good reason

Linux remains an enthusiast is, which is not suitable for mainstream use, except in very specific instances.

 

[coffee]

This question, or some variant of it, comes up on the forum about every 6mnths

The answer is invariably, no, with good reason

Linux remains an enthusiast is, which is not suitable for mainstream use, except in very specific instances.

I totally disagree with you. But thats alright. Everyone has their personal opinion.

I sure have installed alot of specific instances.

 

[coffee]

They buy their kid an iPod, how hard will it be for them to sync/use/etc?

Just unlock it. Break it and use it. Rather, Sell it. Buy something that does work with out itunes and costs more than what its worth.

Their kid has Word at school, starts homework, works on it with their friend, brings a usb stick home to finish - what happens?

they open up libreoffice and work on it.

Subtleties in the formats make strange things happen, you see weird symbols, images are in the wrong spot or missing, etc.

Then change the format to a doc file or xdoc file. Everyone involved with libreoffice knows there is a slight problem with msword files. There is more out there then msword format.

Outside of these, and a couple other edge cases - great.
As long as you get the thing online, and it's wired, and never have wifi problems

Most all hardware works in linux now. Sounds like your basing this on an experience - more than 2 years ago.

We use it on servers and in the shop - and are huge fans of ubuntu/linux - and we tried this a few years ago - I don't think all these kinks are worked out.

A few years is a life time in linux. Probably should take another look. Of course die hard windows fans will never admit something is better than windows.

Best Regards,

coffee

 

[Choppie]

I have a few Dell OptiPlex SX280 USFF 3.0GHz 2048MB Ram 80GB HDD, the kind that mount on the back of a 17" lcd with small sound bar and handle. Its like an all-in-one but can be separated. I have already singled out a CrashDummy (65 yr old) that has lots of room oh her computer desk for the old OptiPlex. Mint looks like the winner based on a cool youtube video called "Mum tries Mint Linux" and a nice post by Coffee. I think if I'm to have any success, I will have to dummy-proof the desktop so she won't have to go poking around for stuff. This won't happen for a few weeks, but will try to provide a full report.

 

[coffee]

I have a few Dell OptiPlex SX280 USFF 3.0GHz 2048MB Ram 80GB HDD, the kind that mount on the back of a 17" lcd with small sound bar and handle. Its like an all-in-one but can be separated. I have already singled out a CrashDummy (65 yr old) that has lots of room oh her computer desk for the old OptiPlex. Mint looks like the winner based on a cool youtube video called "Mum tries Mint Linux" and a nice post by Coffee. I think if I'm to have any success, I will have to dummy-proof the desktop so she won't have to go poking around for stuff. This won't happen for a few weeks, but will try to provide a full report.

That sounds great. What I do that you might consider is first run a live cd on it to make sure there are no problems. Most problems will be in the video department. If its a nvidia chipset then there will be no problems. Sometimes ATI will be a problem. Also, I always have a VM of mint on my main system so I can walk people thru things and follow along or just use it as a test bed.

Wishing you success,

coffee

 

[nlinecomputers]

Then change the format to a doc file or xdoc file. Everyone involved with libreoffice knows there is a slight problem with msword files. There is more out there then msword format.

Yes but most of the world uses Word so you get sent a doc that doesn't format correctly. When 99% of the world uses one format and you don't the one at fault is you. There maybe more out there then MSword format but nobody is using it.

 

[Choppie]

None of that matters for the testers I have in mind; I'm here in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach area. Hundreds of gated community's, about 40 percent are 55 and older and most of them only read news, browse the web, check their virus email program called AOL, and A MAJOR EVENT would be printing a boarding pass for a flight or a cruse. Some are getting cameras sent to them from their kids and set up on skype. So after so many years, I know the ones that are the perfect candidates. They don't even know what a word doc is. However, the other ones are on HOA boards and do news letters to print for the community and all that crap. The ones that do that I believe could get their head around Mint and make it work with very little hand holding. And as for their kids coming down for a visit...they all have their own laptops and ipads already, and if they don't...too f...bad, stay off moms/grandmaw's PC...