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On Thu, Aug 26, 2004 at 02:45:07PM +0100, Adam Spencer wrote:
> Hello
>
> I apologize for my ignorance, I am no expert but have set up many Linux
> installations. I work for RSPCA Sheffield, a friend designed and created
> software for us and other shelters to use, to save money for the shelter
> we decided to make use of all the fantastic free, open source software
> available which we use on a set of mostly donated 2nd hand harware.
This is great! Have you heard of/use sheltermanager? its on the
freshmeat site. the rspca made mention of it, according to the website.
>
> We have a small network with 9 machines that I am responsible for
> maintaining. 3 years ago I hadn't even heard of Linux, I started with a
> very limited knowledge of computing but have learnt enough to take care
> of our system. As we use donated equipment things wear out a lot and I
> have had to set many machines up from scratch.
>
> It has also been my job to train the 15 or so other, mostly computer
> illiterate staff members to use the system.
>
> I have found that if it is possible for something to go wrong, or be
> misinterpreted it usually happens to us.
>
> Firstly, I wondered if there was a way I could get involved with testing
> and documenting of new software,
yes. most folks who maintain debian software do so becuse they use it.
So, what every you use, give bug reports! Also, you can add to the LDP!
and also make your own webpage of howto's or hints. And of course, help
a few lost souls here! Debian is also looking for folks to write
docuemnts like howto's. They also have a 'debian users guide'. And then
they also need translations. One more thing: write a docuemtn about how
you use free software in your business! that would help others save
money and time. And if other follow, then you can compare notes. I would
like folks in the states to use Free software at our shelters.
> I think I have a good idea of how most
> non-computer programmers interpret instructions and I often very
> frustrated when, after reading pages and pages of very techincal manuals
> to try to solve a very simple problem I can ask a friend of mine a
> simple question and him give me the solution in one sentence that I
> actually understand - I imagine that most manuals would benefit from a
> paragraph or two explaining in laymans how it works.
>
> Secondly, Knoppix is a branch of Debian right?
unfortunatley most debian folks think of knoppix as a bastard child.
There are other debian-derived distros that are more in favor than that
one. Also, Klaus uses a mix of free,non-free,unstable,testing and stable
software. This is what makes it unique and able to configure X so well.
> X config is a nightmare
> with Debian (I have spent many hours swearing at it) but Knoppix just
> gets on with it and you can tweak later. Is it possible to do this on an
> established Debian installation? If not why not?
there is dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86. Somethings I use X
- -configure. Not sure what else to suggest.
- -Kev
- --
(__)
(oo)
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* /\---/\
~~ ~~
...."Have you mooed today?"...
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