[ubuntu-za] Ubuntu - modems etc - was Modem works with Dapper but not with Edgy

[Phillip Pare]

Bill Cairns wrote:
> On Mon, 2007-03-19 at 19:10 +0200, Dave Matthews wrote:
>   
>> "Should I train somebody with basic linux/ubuntu desktop skills? Will 
>> they get a job with those skills?"
>>
>>     
>
> This is an interesting question. Personally I believe that general
> computer skills are pretty transferable between platforms. So you should
> train people to have computer literacy which you can do using Linux.
> Specific skills in specific products may (obviously) require more
> specific training.
>
> But this is not the question that I was raising. I was talking about the
> average home user who wants email, browsing capabilities, word processor
> (perhaps spreadsheet) and the ability to manage digital photographs.
> Maybe a few simple games. Linux - and Ubuntu specifically - is an ideal
> platform for this sort of user: it can run on old machines, it requires
> no software purchases.
>
> But the trouble with Linux in this sort of "Mom and Pops" environment is
> that there is very little support available to get the thing working.
> Most computer savvy people have no difficulty getting a modem working on
> XP, but would not have a clue how to do it on Ubuntu (although it is
> actually much easier - if you know the ropes). 
>
> The problem gets worse when the beast does not behave as it should - or
> as we think it should - and even the user support community cannot help.
> In the case of modems, most Ubuntu experts cannot help because they
> don't use dial-up connections themselves and so do not even have the
> facilities to help. But the people who most need the support are the
> same people who have the old machines and only have dial-up
> connectivity. The result, I am afraid, is that Windows becomes the
> logical solution.
>
> I think that there is an opportunity here.
>
> Bill
>
>   
And if you want to cut down on your Telkom costs and configure your 
machine to use your cellphone as a GPRS modem, you are very much on your 
own under Linux. At least the Vodacom call centre will be able to walk 
you through the procedures needed to set up the phone on XP but I have 
yet to come across a decent howto on getting it up and running on Ubuntu.

Phillip