Talk:Getting Started Class Teacher's Outline

Alternate section 2: I just did this today.

using the command line to be root
change password/add user
log in as new user
changing settings with the control panel
first i changed the background and went over user-specific settings, then we fixed the time on one of the computers and thereby demonstrated using gui tools as root.
the Internet & ISPs
finding more information/getting support
log out & shut down
paperwork & going home

--Ideath 15:53, 15 Apr 2005 (PDT)

I began reworking this entire guide based on my personal experience. I am intending to make this a template for every class, and it is very much a work in progress. Please provide any feedback on the process.Rhean 19:42, 19 October 2011 (UTC)

Section 1

Flash, Java, and DVD Software

Explain to students that they now have the option 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

Open Menu->System->Synaptic Package Manager and go to the Settings->Repositories menu. Check the “Software restricted by copyright or legal issues” and then enter your password. Now, click “Close” and then click the blue "Reload" button in the upper left corner.
I think we should provide the option for them to choose between installing CLI or Synaptic. -Ben Close Synaptic, then open up your web browser and go the URL tinyurl.com/fgclass or http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Getting_Started_Class_Teacher%27s_Outline#Flash.2C_Java.2C_and_DVD_Software and copy the line of code found on that page:

sudo apt-get install -y vlc xubuntu-restricted-extras libdvdread4 && sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh

Go to Menu->Accessories->Terminal Emulator and type or (preferably) paste with right click the above exactly as it appears.
After going through some processes a blue screen will require your input. Hit the “tab” button to get to “OK” and then hit enter. On the next blue screen hit tab again to get to “Yes” and hit enter.

This procedure adds a second media player (VLC) which will appear in Applications>Sound and Video as well as Java, Quicktime, Microsoft fonts and some other media helpers and plugins. The installation may appear to stall part way through. Be patient.

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.

CD/DVD 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 Part One

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 Menu --> System --> Update Manager. Students can take a break while computer is updating.

Section Two

Updates Part Two

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, explain easier concepts or start to explore the desktop).

Tour the Desktop

Bottom Panel
When your mouse cursor touches the bottom edge of the screen, a panel will appear. This panel is very similiar to the dock on a Mac. You can add and remove launchers, make it bigger or smaller, an even make it so it stay on the screen at all times. These are some of the things on this panel, from right to left:

Trash bin
A bunch of application launchers
Show 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 -> Preferences - In the Preferences and Administration menus, show students how they can change settings specific to them. You can select any/all that you feel are appropriate for your class based on their stated uses at the beginning of the class
- Appearance - 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.
- Screensaver - Choose and activate screensaver
  - Set idle time
  - Explain the 'lock screen and why that might be a good idea
- Acknowledge the following:
  - Monitors for changing resolution
  - Mouse for left-handed students or those having trouble with double-click speed
  - Power management for computer/monitor sleep times and setting power button action
System -> Administration
- Users and Groups Adding a guest account
  - See if anyone plans on adding a guest account or family members. If not, simply acknowledge existence.
- Acknowledge the following:
  - Computer Janitor to be run infrequently to remove unneeded files
  - Hardware Drivers for installing hardware
  - Update Manager. Refer to previous update and reiterate importance.
Places = Directories (documents, etc)
Applications = Programs
- Accessories
  - Calculator
  - Screen Shot--take a screen shot and explain that they can use this tool to send an error message/anomaly to tech support. Have students save the screenshot in their "Pictures" folder and then go find it again. After they have found the picture, 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, and have the time, 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
  - Dictionary--only available when online :(
  - 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. You can direct students to click on "Save files as" option and press the up arrow once to get to Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP. It is also helpful to make these same changes for Spreadsheet and Presentation. Conveniently, it takes one up arrow to change Text Document, two up arrows to change Spreadsheet and three up arrows to change Presentation.
    - 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 and delete their document (using a different method than the one demonstrated above).

Install Programs

Go to Menu --> 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).