I got this idea when I saw a post on some random forum, where someone had said that they would consider dual booting into Ubuntu, if there were a 'Ubuntu/Linux for beginners' book that wasn't for 30$.
He was looking on amazon at the time, and probably did not even look at the Ubuntu documentation. I haven't either until now. It's not easy to read and certainly not designed for beginners.
So, what I'm thinking is to provide exactly what he was thinking. A "Ubuntu for beginners" virtual book that can be easily printed and distributed with an open source licenses, Similar to the "wikipedia" physical books. The book may be sold for the cost of materials, or could easily be printed from home.
It could be featured somehow on Ubuntu's "shipit", as an option for new users.
Since it is specifically designed for beginners, it should not be deeper than necessary, and explain everything someone new to Linux needs to know to install and use Ubuntu.
The actual website for constructing should be Drupal with the "books" module. Many of the Ubuntu website's are already using Drupal (Including Ubuntu QA), and the books module provides the best and easiest features for both writers and readers. The pages can be easily ordered and structured in the book. The pages can be individually viewed, individually printed, or printed as a book.
Since Ubuntu QA already uses Drupal framework, it makes sense to use it on this "site" but give it it's own subdomain. Users of Ubuntu QA will not need a new account and Drupal will not need to be re-themed as much.
Others have said:
"I think that this is a brilliant idea. This would very much help the many new users that have just ventured out of Windows for the first time."
"Yes, it would be nice with a free .pdf Ubuntu book. The guy is just making excuses though. Or do did he buy a "Computer for beginners" and "Windows for beginners" book, too"
Contribute your own thoughts and vote on my idea on Ubuntu Brainstorm.
If the idea reaches 200 votes, I'll make the framework for it myself and host it (maybe temporarily) on a neomenlo subdomain. Ubuntu Brainstorm uses drupal, which I am very familiar with.
Ubuntu is easy
Wow.. that is a great idea! I hate those books that are so hard to read but say "for beginners" You need the "for idiots" or whatever to have it make any sense XD
Or do those even make sense? I don't know.. haven't read one haha
I really like the idea of printing it out. Would it be binded? Or would it just be like.. a pamphlet? How long will it be? I think the printing out thing is good because you don't have to have the entire thing. You can just print out what section you need help on. Personally, I think the installing directions need thorough explanation... from there on, I was able to manage looking around and figuring things out.
I think they should also maybe give out (or sell) discs with the book used to installing it =D
(in like random places like malls and computer stores).
Although it might be annoying... it would raise awareness of how much better it is =D
It's everything like Windows but it's more simplified, operational, and contracts NO viruses.. (and whatever else you wanna say). However... if more and more people were to start using it... wouldn't more viruses arise?
That would be a con.. but a pro would be that companies would start designing more programs to run on Linux.. like... games? I don't know.. just brainstorming haha
But yeah, I think this is a great idea. I'm imagining them to be cute and small for some reason lol..
But whatever size, I think you should title it like "Ubuntu is easy" or something. Of course that just came off the top of my head.. so if you don't agree that's fine.
For Windows Users
The problem with those is that they are designed for people who have literally no knowledge. This book would be safely assuming that the reader is already familiar with Windows and how to use a computer. There are just a few things that are shockingly different about Linux, but the rest are either identical or similar enough that any computer user can figure it out on their own.
Official printers and handouts may be binded at the distributors discretion, but it would be designed to be printed out of a household printer.
Only as long as necessary to convey all the basic knowledge.
I think it is good because it is available even when the internet isn't. The scary thing to a lot of people is that they may not have the resources to fix any momentary trouble they may run into. Sometimes the display driver won't work, or maybe the internet isn't working right.
That is exactly what scares a lot of new users.
They actually do give physical CD's away for free online. It's called ShipIt. I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem with a book if it is kept condensed.
Actually yes, but its framework is superior in many ways. The popularity of a second operating system is important to the overall security fitness of the internet. If a virus is designed to flawlessly take out Windows, 96% of computers would stop working. Different operating systems could slow the spread of the virus, and decrease the likeliness that the virus is tailored for your operating system.
Exactly. The audience size is an important factor when deciding what hardware and operating system to support.
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