[Ubuntu-BD] FOSS & Ubuntu in Bangladesh

[Shumon]

Thanks all. I'll try to summarize/organize for our future reference. I'll
comment using "ME" per issue as needed.

1. Linux options for Windows GUI
a) Ylmf OS http://ylfm.org/en
b) Linux XP http://linux-xp.com/
c) Windows & look-alikes http://goo.gl/Zxstz
d) Kubuntu http://www.kubuntu.org/
e) FVWM http://www.fvwm.org/
ME: I'm leaning toward Kubuntu but which one is best for XP user with lesser
multimedia, plug/play issues & has virtual space to run Windows software?

2. Unpopularity
ME: Even if it's not popular among the Linux community, it's no indicator of
how it'll hold for the general population who may not know about this or may
not know how to use it.

3. Support
a) ME: Organized support group is certainly a challenge at this time. But
let's at least take those primary steps we can to create that interest among
general users. Any market has a spectrum of participants. Perhaps we won't
capture the other end of the spectrum but at least some in the middle or
closer than the middle will get interested. No?
b) Websites: http://www.linux.org.bd/ http://www.ubuntu-bd.org/ will be up
in June/soon.
ME: Great!

4. Conversion
a) ME: Can we have a screen capture video tutorial displaying the benefits
of Ubuntu? This can be done easily with a freeware (only know of a windows
app) CamStudio.
b) ME: A series of such videos in Bangla would be simply wonderful. I can
help in production but my only handicap at this time is Windows :(

5. OpenOffice impractical
a) ME: Have to agree with Jewel. I use OpenOffice and maintain hundreds of
old .doc/.xls files as well. Most people don't utilize the thousands of
features in any of the softwares they use. I'd venture to say perhaps 20-30
features at most. So OpenOffice is a practical option for MOST MSOffice
users.

6. Adoption: Memorization vs. Learning
ME: It's not exactly memorization but rather an effect of the power of
semiotics. Symbols make us think/behave/create expectations in a certain way
without us being aware of it and it's very difficult to break that pattern
oneself, hence we need good teachers to help us. So, we can't simply blame
the people and instead provide them with good/efficient teachers/tutorials.

7. OS terminlogy standard
ME: I understand what Jewel means. Using "Open-Excel" is a good idea. The
problem is copyright/trademark issues of course. But I think he means having
similar naming conventions for similar functions. I am somewhat a dry person
so I want functional names to things and can do without catchy names that
marketers love for their branding. I'd much rather have similar names for
similar functions so that I can make the connections and know my options
easily.

8. The problem of choice.
ME: Again agree with Jewel. Thousands of choice is not always good... of
course US consumer culture would say otherwise. Sometimes such degree of
choices are there to confuse and misinform. It can be just as bad as 1
choice. Here's someone who can explain it better than I ever can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO6XEQIsCoM and same at
http://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice.html

9. Overall comment.
ME: Guys, most of us are at least more technical than the general population
but that doesn't mean we have to take every single word literally. Let's try
to be sympathetic toward what the person is trying to communicate rather
than the particular words they are using.

Shumon