Re: [SLUG] TCWO

From: Robin 'Roblimo' Miller (robin@roblimo.com)
Date: Thu Jul 01 2004 - 10:57:09 EDT


>As far a bring in outside experts the comment is every time"that would make us
>dependent on them." The meaning is that there is NO computer store or if so
>virtually unknown that caters to Linux updating and repairs for non techies.
>

You need to read NewsForge more (and it'll be a lot more pleasant to
read starting at the end of the month -- new management is letting the
editors redesign the sites instead of imposing crap on us) because a
recurring "migration story" theme is that the best way to use
consultants isn't as workers but as trainers. (In fact, this thought
itself should -- and will -- be a story.)

The thing is, there are "tricks" to using Windows and Windows-based
apps, and you know them. There are similar "tricks" to Linux and Linux
apps, but since you don't know them, you think they're hard, even though
they're often simpler than the Windows tricks.

This is really the basic contention of my upcoming "Point and Click
Linux" book/video package. It's aimed at desktop users, so it won't help
with databases, but the same kind of thinking applies to your situation.
If Windows and Windows-based software was all that easy to use, why
would bookstores carry literally tons of Windows manuals and HOWTO books?

You don't need a consultant to come in and be a wizard. You need a
consultant to come in and help several of your people get familiar with
the software you want to use. Then you will be able to do things for
yourself, perhaps with a call or email now and then to a consultant or
other source of advice (like this list) if you get stuck on a
particular problem.

- Robin

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