Computer refurbishing-- Ubuntu, networking, pppoe

[Stephen Ronan]

Hi

The South End Technology Center @ Tent City (where at least one 
BLU installfest has occurred) has over the years, refurbished 
quite a few donated machines, and then made them available free 
or at low-cost to Tent City residents and other community 
members, with follow-up assistance including classes and tech. 
support/repair.

I was over there today, and Mel King, who directs the center on a 
pro bono basis, told me that they'd like to switch from use of 
Windows to Ubuntu Linux on many or most of the machines. But 
there's a lot of concern about people's ability to get up and 
running, particularly on the Internet, once they get the machines 
home. He wondered what variety of problems people might run into 
and whether it might be possible to find or develop some handouts 
that would help get people over the initial hurdles, esp. in 
regard to getting online.

I'm not at all expert in these issues, but told him I thought the 
most difficulty might come with DSL connections that used PPPOe 
requirinmg computer configuration. Since I didn't really know 
much of anything about that or how Ubuntu Linux handles it, I 
offered to send a message to this list.

Do any of you have any advice on how Mr. King and colleagues 
might best proceed? Is there already a set of handout type 
materials that might do the trick. I'd guess that the 
overwhelming number of users would be dealing with Comcast or RCN 
cable Internet service or Verizon DSL. Any advice on this list, 
or in person at South End Technology Center in Boston (around the 
corner from the Back Bay station), would be gratefully 
appreciated.

Thanks,

Stephen Ronan

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