[ubuntu-za] Modem works with Dapper but not with Edgy

[Dave Matthews]

Bill Cairns wrote:
> On Sun, 2007-03-18 at 23:11 +0200, Lee Isaacson wrote:
>   
>> I am happy to hear that you are up and running.
> I feel that this could be a major challenge to us if we want to get
> Ubuntu accepted as a "Mom and Pop" operating system in South Africa. I
> am certainly not a Linux or Ubuntu expert, but at least I have many (too
> many!) years of experience in computers and some in networking - so I
> have the background to be able to fight problems like these to a
> conclusion. Unfortunately the vast majority of people out there do not
> have my advantage and are much more likely to accept the horrible XP or
> Vista alternative.
>   
I am with you on that, but its more than just support issues.

I recently donated a machine to a person who works for me, she is smart 
but lacks background in basic computer skills. She lives in a large town 
ship near Johannesburg. I want to maximize the value she gets out of the 
machine. She hopes to get a job as a secretary.

I chose windows XP and ... Here is why:

- Open Office is in my opinion better than M$Office. However in 99% of 
job interviews she would need to be able to say she have M$Office 
experience.

- Windows support is easier to obtain... many of her friends work on 
windows work stations and could help her with basic tasks.

- I would help her myself but it's not safe for her to bring the machine 
to me. It's bulky and looks valuable. Also she wants to keep it out of 
sight.

- The machine has an OEM license glued to the side of the box. 
Effectively it was free.
> I don't know what the solution is. But I think that the problem might be
> an opportunity in disguise ...
In short, to get a job in most corporate environments you need windows 
skills, Its easier to learn windows or get support because there are so 
many windows trained people out there.

Times are changing but until government or corporates start using ubuntu 
in a big way, the man on the street will not have the luxury of learning 
something that is better,faster,cooler but just does not get him a job 
in an m$world.

Ah well... I am sure I will need an asbestos suit for this...
 
> Bill
>   
Dave