The Debian installer is great but it's not for the novice computer user. For that user I think it can be a bit much. Adding something like "Super Simple Installer"-option in the installer would help these people start using Debian.
There are lots of people tired of Windows. They only use the computer for browsing the web and simple tasks. As an example I will use my old dad. He uses the computer daily for banking, YouTube and genealogy. He can install Windows without problems but was clueless when doing the Debian-installer. Why can't Debian be as easy to install as it is to use?
My idea would be something like:
Step 1 - Language.
Only ask for language and assume everything else is the same (keyboard and locale).
Step 2 - User.
Ask for username and password. A reasonable generated password is shown. Something that is easy to write down.
Step 3 - Network.
Ask for wifi and wifi-password. Test if it works.
Step 4 - Where to place files.
If only 1 drive is found inform the user that it is to be overwritten when installing.
If more than 1 drive is found let the user select drive.
Step 5 - Done.
All done. Remove usb or cd/dvd and restart.
Software settings could be something like this:
* Repositories. main, contrib, non-free-firmware and non-free.
* Firewall. gufw. With basic protection active.
* Printer. printer-driver-all.
* Updates. unattended-upgrades.
* No ssh.
* Bluetooth.
I think something simple as this could be an improvement for new users who wants to use an OS that's not Windows without looking into what distro is.
Don't take my idea to serious. Love to hear your experiences helping friends and family making the switch to Debian.
There are lots of people tired of Windows. They only use the computer for browsing the web and simple tasks. As an example I will use my old dad. He uses the computer daily for banking, YouTube and genealogy. He can install Windows without problems but was clueless when doing the Debian-installer. Why can't Debian be as easy to install as it is to use?
My idea would be something like:
Step 1 - Language.
Only ask for language and assume everything else is the same (keyboard and locale).
Step 2 - User.
Ask for username and password. A reasonable generated password is shown. Something that is easy to write down.
Step 3 - Network.
Ask for wifi and wifi-password. Test if it works.
Step 4 - Where to place files.
If only 1 drive is found inform the user that it is to be overwritten when installing.
If more than 1 drive is found let the user select drive.
Step 5 - Done.
All done. Remove usb or cd/dvd and restart.
Software settings could be something like this:
* Repositories. main, contrib, non-free-firmware and non-free.
* Firewall. gufw. With basic protection active.
* Printer. printer-driver-all.
* Updates. unattended-upgrades.
* No ssh.
* Bluetooth.
I think something simple as this could be an improvement for new users who wants to use an OS that's not Windows without looking into what distro is.
Don't take my idea to serious. Love to hear your experiences helping friends and family making the switch to Debian.
Statistics: Posted by warmice — 2025-01-11 19:19 — Replies 1 — Views 36