[NTLUG:Discuss] linux newbie manual

[Cameron Moore]

* mickyjune26 at hotmail.com (micky hotmail) [2002.03.06 04:46]:
>    Hello,
>    I'm just a yearling reader, and have really gotten involved with Linux and
>    everything.  I wrote a linux administration manual, pretty much just intro
>    to the OS and everything but networking and security.  (i hope to finish
>    those in 6 months, when I start offering the class).  Since I like to keep
>    things free, I was wondering who i would talk to in reference to posting a
>    link on ntlug's site for the linux newbie manual to download.  If you want
>    to look at it first, it's
>    http://www.prodirections.com/resume/handsonlinux.doc
>    Any pointers really appreciated!
>    -Micky

As has already been mentioned, you *MUST* dump the MS Word file format
or noone will give your work a second thought.  While it is possible[1]
to view the text of a MS Word file, many Linux users won't even try to
view it based simply on principle.

The next logical question is: So what do I use?  Well, that depends.  If
you need a word processor, you could look into using OpenOffice[2].  I
personally don't like OpenOffice because it's relatively bloated if all
you want to do is view documents.  Based on my own personal experience
creating documentation for an open-source project[3], I would use LaTeX.
>From LaTex sources, you can generate a PDF, PostScript, HTML, or some
other file format.  It is really quite powerful, but you forfeit
ease-of-use for flexibility (comparied to a WYSIWYG editor).  I haven't
used it, but there is a WYSISYG editor for LaTeX called Lyx[4].  Might
want to give it a go.

Anyway, the point is that MS Word is a barrier for most Linux users.
Your manual will get far more acceptance if you adopt an open format.
Thanks

[1] http://www.winfield.demon.nl/
[2] http://www.openoffice.org/
[3] http://www.flightgear.org/
[4] http://www.lyx.org/
-- 
Cameron Moore
/ Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the \
\  same time. I think I've forgotten this before. /