[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux For Fun (Chuck Graf)

[Fred]

On Thu, 28 May 2015
 From: Chuck Graf <cfgraf at gmail.com>
 
> At the Makerspace we have about 15 laptops available with
> Ubuntu/Xubuntu installled in a dual boot with MSW 8.1.  I am thinking
> about having a class on Fun With Linux.
> 
> Instead of the usual download-and-install thing, we could start with units
> that are installed and operable, the way most people first encounter a 
> new  OS.  Then we can go through all the wonderful things that you can 
> do with Linux. We have the opportunity to introduce Linux to a wider
> range of people here,
> 
> What fun things could we include?  I was thinking of doing some software
> installs using the Package Manager or Synaptic (Gimp, Audacity, etc.),
> maybe set up a web server thing and FTP, maybe VNC , etc.
> 
> What else could we do for fun?

Why did I just get a flash of Big Bang Theory when I read that ;-)
You said "fun" and then ticked off several "not fun" items. Fun obviously
means vastly different things to different people but maybe showing off the 
vast array of (free!) included software and the ability to even run MSW in 
a VirtualBox window would be seen as, if not actually "fun", maybe "KEWL".
I also have a dislike of all things M$ but those people taking your class might
not. Dual boot is one thing but being able to run both OSes simultaneously on 
the same desktop is a real eye opener to some. Especially when you explain 
about how one of their nasty viruses can only screw up the VB space and not 
hurt the underlying Linux system that it is running on. (No, don't clog up their
heads with caveats. Take a cue from Skipper: Smile and wave, boys. Smile
and wave.)

Those are a couple of ideas off the top of my head. Have fun with your class
and post back with your results. And thanks for actually devoting the time
to do something worthwhile.

Fred