Linux opportunity and experiment

[Alan Dayley]

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Monday I received a package of Ubuntu 5.10 "Breezy Badger" CD sets.
Tuesday I gave several away at work.  I gave them to geeks so that is
not the experiment.

Tonight, my son's Boy Scout leader called.  Several weeks ago they had
attended a Computing Merit Badge workshop.  Tonight they were trying to
finish up the remaining requirements.  He asked if I could come help
out.  I grabbed a stack of Ubuntu CDs and headed over.

I helped them with some of the requirements ("Describe computer related
jobs..."  "What can you do with a computer besides email and games?")
and had a good time.  At the end of it all, I told them I had a special
prize if they would be still a moment and let me tell them how to use
it.  I gave each kid and leader an Ubuntu CD set with instructions on
what each CD is for.

The kids, 11-13 year-olds, didn't care too much but the leaders seemed
very curious and pleased.  Earlier in the discussions one of the leaders
asked me if I used Outlook.  I told him no because it's insecure and we
don't use Windows at home.  He was shocked, like it never entered his
mind that you could use something other than Windows.  He was excited to
try the Live CD when I later handed him his set.

The other leader asked why he should use it instead of Windows.  The
point that got him was no spyware/viruses/trojans.

I gave out 9 Ubuntu CD sets tonight with only one going to a
non-professional geek.  The experiment will be to follow up with them to
see what becomes of the sets.  5 went to adults so I'll watch them the
most.  It was quite fun!

Alan
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