[Wlug] Getting your mom on Linux?

[Eric Martin]

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I have an ipod and use citrix on multiple linux computers.

The easiest way to get the ICA client is to go to her NFUSE page (where
she logs in) and it will have a link.  If not,
http://www.citrix.com/English/SS/downloads/details.asp?dID=2755&downloadID=3323&pID=186.
 I can't quite get it to work in firefox, so I installed the client into
my home directory, and have wfica open the files.

As for ipods, there are many programs (I've tried out at least 5).  It
depends on what you want.  If she just uses stuff downloaded from iTunes
then you are out of luck from what I can tell.  I too hate DRM so I use
straight mp3s that I ripped myself.  Amarok has a plugin that comes with
it for ipods, I hear banshee works too.  GtkPod is just for ipods (I
haven't used it in a few years).  I once tried to get iTunes to work
under WINE but I haven't gotten that working yet.

As for printing, it all depends on what printer you have.  Next time I
need a printer I'm consulting the foomatic-db first, as my wife always
wants printers that aren't supported under linux.

I use all of this stuff under Gentoo and Ubuntu, and find it very easy
under both.  If you need a hand with anything, just let me know.  Also
as a call to a later post, I would have to agree with NOT dual-booting.
 First she won't use GNU/Linux.  Secondly, you'll have to deal with
Windows headaches AND migrating her over to GNU/Linux.  I'd say make the
jump after you research the ipod and the printer.

Just my $0.02
Eric

Mike Perry wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> I visited my parents yesterday and yet again my mother's computer is filled 
> with spyware. Everytime I go there it is slower and slower and odd things 
> keep happening (like icons disappearing ... I've witnessed this myself). 
> 
> I've been considering trying to get her onto Kubuntu, but I have a few valid  
> concerns. I'm curious if anyone has any experience with the following under 
> Linux (any flavor):
> 
>  * Citrix connectivity -- She currently, and very seldom, uses an ActiveX 
> control in IE to connect to her work. Are there alternatives besides using IE 
> and Wine or running a VM?
> 
>  * iPod which is currently registered with her Windows box. I'm not too 
> familiar with this, because my mp3 is not an iPod.
> 
>  * Printing - She currently has a very nice Canon i960 which can print photos. 
> I less concerned about drivers and more about functionality. Her current 
> Windows based software can print wallets, 8x10s, etc very easily. I wouldn't 
> want her to lose that ability.
> 
> I know some of these answers might be a Google away, but I'm curious on your 
> experiences with this and possibility any other gothcya's that I am not 
> thinking about.
> 
> If I could overcome these hurdles I think she would actually have a much 
> pleasant experience with her home pc. I've slowly been getting her to adopt 
> open source software, but this would be a big jump. I also think it would be 
> much easier for me help remotely too.
> 
> Cheers,
> Mike
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