Getting Started Class Teacher's Outline

This class is generally taught in two sections divided by a short break. This is the recommended outline.

Check-in with Front Desk
Check with the front desk to see how many students are signed up for class and if everyone is taking a computer home with them so you can prepare accordingly.

Set-up
Please gather the following materials for each student:
 * 1 Monitor (found in the warehouse--walk in the warehouse doors and take an immediate right, the monitors will be on shelves on your right)
 * 1 System (found in the hallway outside of the classroom on shelves labeled Freekbox)
 * 1 Keyboard (found in the classroom on the shelf or in Receiving)
 * 1 Mouse (found in the classroom on the shelf or in Receiving)
 * 1 Mouse Pad (found in the classroom on the shelf or in Receiving)
 * 1 Set of powered speakers (found in the classroom on the shelf or in Receiving)
 * 2 Power cords (found in the classroom on the shelf)

Be sure to note if the system has PS/2 or USB ports for the keyboard and mouse. If it has USB ports rather than PS/2 make sure you can find USB accessories. These are sometimes rare in the warehouse.

Make sure the classroom is also stocked with:
 * CDs and DVDs for drive and speaker testing
 * Items on classroom shelf or front desk
 * Pens and paper for note-taking
 * Getting Started with Your Free Geek Computer handout.
 * Current and next (if available) month's class schedule for students. Make sure you mention the additional classes as you go through the class.

Agenda
Write the following agenda on the whiteboard (it's not a bad idea to explain to students that we're going to do a bunch of "one time" tasks before break to make sure their computers are up to date and will focus on how they use their new computer after the break):


 * Introduction
 * Vocabulary
 * Linux History/FOSS
 * Put System Together
 * Create Account
 * Proprietary Software
 * Sound and Video
 * Updates
 * Break
 * Tour Desktop
 * Go Online
 * Install Programs
 * How to Find Help
 * Q&A Time
 * Paperwork
 * Tech Support Tour

Introductions
Purpose of Class


 * Final quality control of all hardware/software
 * Ticket to one year of free tech support
 * Make sure students are comfortable using new computer

Expectations


 * Ask students to silence cell phones and do not call or text during class
 * Remind students to be respectful of fellow students (ex. Don't disrupt when instructor is answering a question or teaching)

Student Introductions


 * Name
 * Computer experience
 * What they plan to do with new FreekBox

''Encourage Questions

Encourage students to ask questions about words or ideas that are unclear or unfamiliar. If something will be addressed later in the class, you will put off answering it until then. If something is totally outside the scope of the class (ie. How to set up a CD burner), you can talk to them about it after class. Write questions on the board if you plan on coming back to them later.

Vocabulary
Put the following terms on the board and define them with the class
 * Operating system - Software which manages computer resources. Without it you cannot use your computer (i.e. Linux, Windows)
 * Hardware - Any part of a computer you can physically touch (i.e. monitor)
 * Software - Sets of instructions computers follow (i.e. Open Office, Firefox).

GNU/Linux and Free Software
History of the development of free and open source software (FOSS) can be useful. Here is a A (Very) Brief History of Linux in case you'd like help with your "elevator speech."

Students may also want to know why Free Geek chooses Linux over other it. Some reasons are:
 * Philosophy of mutual aid and openness
 * Lack of licensing fees
 * No viruses! (Make sure you explain that common sense is still necessary--do not enter personal information into insecure websites.)

Put System Together
Students should already be seated in front of the system they will take home.

The course goal is for adopters to know how to set up their systems on the own. Take your time with this step, and explain what goes where. Let students know that many cables and ports are color and size coded (generally only one place a specific cord can go). Encourage them to determine the correct placement of the various cables. Explain importance giving care to the plugs that contain pins that could bend or break.

Log In and Create New User Account

 * Have students log in by clicking on Default and entering the password: freegeek.
 * To create user account, have students click on System --> Administration --> Prepare for shipping to end user.
 * Students must restart their systems at this point to set up their own user accounts. Have them follow the instructions on the screen (language select, time zone etc).
 * Once they're logged in, go over interface vocabulary and basic ideas in Ubuntu (panel, icon, desktop, tooltip, menu).
 * If you can not find "Prepare for shipping to end user" please read Prepare for Shipping to End User Wiki page.

Flash, Java, and DVD Software
Explain to students that we are now going to add software that will allow them to play DVDs and other music and movie formats. This software is not installed by default because of licensing and legal issues, but it is not likely they could have any issues by installing the software. If they are concerned about the legal issues, they do not have to install these components, but they may have trouble viewing or listening to certain media. More details for these steps (and a screenshot) can be found at Multimedia and DVDs in Ubuntu sudo apt-get install vlc ubuntu-restricted-extras libdvdread4 sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh
 * Check the "Software restricted by copyright or legal issues" box under System>Administration>Software sources
 * While in this same dialog box, click the "Other Software" tab and check the box next to "http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu lucid partner"
 * Open a terminal window (Applications>Accessories>Terminal) and type or copy and paste the following (http://tinyurl.com/fgclass):
 * When this has finished type or copy and paste the following

This procedure adds a second media player (vlc) which will appear in Applications>Sound and Video as well as java, quicktime and some other media helpers and plugins. The install will ask you to agree to the java license as well as clicking or entering ok on a couple of informational screens. The installation may appear to stall part way through. Be patient.

Sound and Video Test
Pass out a CD and DVD to each student in order to explain use as well as test the drives and speakers. Encourage students to eject discs through software. Perhaps show how to unmount the drive should the software get confused when ejecting from hardware.

Updates
Explain what updates are and that they are an important step in keeping their computer running properly. Generally an icon will appear notifying them of Updates. Show students how to check for updates by clicking on System --> Administration --> Update Manager. Have students click on "Check", and install any new updates. (There may be several given that boxes can sit for a time on the shelves. Use the installation time to ask for questions or explain easier concepts).

Break
Take a (much needed?) break. Be sure to give the students a specific time to come back to class (5-10 minutes is usually good). This might be a good time to take care of any issues that arose when testing/updating the computers.

Tour the Desktop
Top Panel

From right to left:
 * Power button on the top right of the screen
 * Date and time to the left of the power button
 * Have students click on the date and time to display the calendar
 * Show them how to setup weather updates with Locations-->Add
 * Speaker Status
 * Internet status connection--Unplug a student's ethernet cable to show them what it looks like when connected and not connected to the Internet.
 * System = Administrative tasks (software updates etc)
 * Places = Directories (documents, etc)
 * Applications = Programs
 * Accessories
 * Calculator
 * Dictionary
 * Screen Shot--take a screen shot and explain that they can use this tool to send an error message/anomaly to tech support. After they have taken it, show them how to put it in the trash.
 * Terminal--explain that they should know where the terminal is as they will need to access the terminal if they contact tech support by phone. If you know some command line, feel free to show students around a little.
 * Graphics
 * fSpot Photo Manager
 * Gimp
 * Internet--skip for the time being as we will come back here later.
 * Office
 * Word Processor
 * Explain what a word processor is, and some common uses (email, letters, etc).
 * Make sure they're comfortable with what's in front of them. Have them open up the word processor to show them title bar, scroll bar, maximize, minimize, etc.
 * OpenOffice.org is a lot like MS Office (skills are transferable, whether they've used it before or not), and can be used to read & write MS Office-type files. Encourage them to play around with it a little, and demonstrate spell check, etc. Point out the help menu.
 * Have students set the default save type to ".doc". Tools -> Options -> Load/Save -> General -> Save files as (select Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP).  This makes it easier for them to share their files.
 * Bring students together to save a file; point out how to tell where the file is going to be saved, and how to select different file types. This can also be used as an example of a dialog window. Save the file. Once saved, show students how to find their document.

Bottom Panel

From right to left:
 * Trash
 * Workspace switcher
 * Show desktop

Go Online
Change Desktop Background
 * Go to http://www.google.com and select Images from the upper left corner.
 * Have students search for an image. If appropriate, take a moment to explain how to conduct a search on the internet.
 * Once students have found a picture, have them click on the picture. Then click on See Full Size Image.
 * Hover the mouse over the image and click with the right mouse button.
 * Select Save Image As and save in the Pictures directory.
 * Go to System --> Preferences --> Appearance. Select the Background tab.
 * Click on Add and select Pictures. Double click on the name of the picture and the picture will become the desktop background.

Test Flash and Java

Test that the restricted extras package (which includes Flash and Java support) was properly installed by going to http://www.youtube.com. Have students quickly search for and play a video.

Install Programs
Go to Applications --> Ubuntu Software Center. Explain that this is a place to find thousands of free programs. Perhaps have the students search for something that interests them and install. If people are unsure what to install, recommend Tux Typing or Klavaro (typing tutors).

How to Get Help

 * Talk about finding documentation on their computer and online (ex. PLUG, Ubuntu Pocket Guide)
 * Take additional classes at Free Geek
 * Explain tech support policy: we'll support your computer for one year as long as:
 * The system has not been modified (except by Free Geek) and
 * The system has been used as intended regularly since adoption and
 * The system has been used by the original Adopter or someone else who has taken the Adoption class at Free Geek.
 * Tech Support can be reached through the main Free Geek number at 503-232-9350. It is currently available Tue-Sat from 12-6pm.
 * The FreekiWiki has lots of helpful information on upgrades and troubleshooting
 * Help on the desktop
 * Ubuntu for Non Geeks reference book
 * http://help.ubuntu.com

User-specific Settings
At this point show students how they can change settings specific to them, such as:
 * Change mouse to lefthanded user
 * Resolution
 * Login window
 * Show how to add a user might be helpful
 * Change background, screensaver, and screensaver timing

Intermediate/Advanced class options
If there is time, instructors are invited to teach more advanced material like burning a CD, using an iPod with Linux, a short Gimp tutorial or any other materials that would be of interest to your class. This is at the discretion of the teacher but should not continue beyond the scheduled end of class as students may have other responsibilities or the room may need to be vacated for another use. Have fun!

Internet/ISPs
Most people want to get on the internet. Is the computer Internet-ready? It depends on the type of service the student chooses. Freekboxen are ready for most types of Internet service. The exceptions are listed below:
 * Dialup Internet--the student will need to have Tech Support install a modem
 * Wireless Internet--the student will need to purchase a wireless card and have Tech Support install it

Define ISP. Explain why some will work with Linux and some won't. A Freekbox friendly ISP is Whiz.to Coho 503-647-5957. They currently offer a FreekBox discount rate of $12.95 for dialup. Free Geek provides the setup and tech support needs through our tech support office.

Log Out and Shut Down
Explain that logging out and shutting down should be completed through the software rather than hardware.

Post Class Survey (we are not currently doing this)
As a final step of the class, please ask students to take a few minutes to complete the Adoption survey: http://www.freegeek.org/volunteer/adoption/adoption-program-survey/.

Disbursement Paperwork
Fill out the Printme taped to the system. Be sure to write "Took Adoption Class", the date, and your initials at the top.

Tech Support Card
Tech Support Cards can be found on the shelf. Write student name and system ID (found on Printme taped to the system) on card and give to student. Explain that he or she should keep this card and use it to when calling/visiting Tech Support.

Tech Support Tour
Take the students to the Tech Support desk. Introduce them as new adopters. Explain that the students will want to call or visit Tech Support should problems arise.

Pack-up Time
Help students pack up. If needed borrow carts from Receiving. If students must leave an item for later retrieval, be sure to put their name and the current date on it. Stress that items left longer than one week may be put back.

After the Class

 * Make sure the disbursement paperwork is filled out and take it to the donor desk up front.
 * Make sure the class space gets set back up.
 * Take any systems that failed during the class to the front desk. Ask the person working at the front desk to complete a tech support ticket for the system. Provide as much information for the ticket as possible. The person at the front desk will then take the system to tech support.
 * Make sure systems being held for transportation are labeled with name, phone and expected time of pickup. (Adopters need to pick up their systems BEFORE the next-scheduled Adoption Class.)

When computers won't work properly

 * Troubleshoot to your comfort level
 * Seek assistance in tech support. Let the technician know you are from an Adoption Class and require immediate assistance.
 * If a tech support worker is not available, and if you can't fix the problem yourself, set the computer aside, grab another for the class. Then after class, take problem computer to the tech support office and complete an intake form. Indicate what was problematic.  Place in tech support office.