Linux intro ppt done!

I have finally finished the PowerPoint for the introduction to Linux video, which I think is going to be a few more than just one video.  The presentation appears to be about three to four hours in length.  I am not going to make anyone sit through that much of one of my lectures, even if I am entertaining! LOL  Hopefully I will have the videos recorded in the next day or two with the new camcorder I got! 

Yes sir, I finally got a better camcorder.  It's not professional grade, but it is a major step up.  I got the Sony HandiCam DCR-SX45 and it was a "right now" purchase because of the price.  So we will see how much better my videos turn out.  It is only standard definition but seeing as how I don't need the quality and texture of high definition for my videos, it is perfect.

Linux distros

Since I want to make sure that everyone can understand and use the Linux videos, I am downloading several different distributions.  So far I have decided to get OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, Mint, and PC-BSD (which is not Linux but I want to show it in an advanced video).

The reasoning behind these choices are as follows.  The OpenSUSE is what I used in the classroom because it is one of the easiest to install and it is backed by Novell, so there is money behind the development of it and paid support options that new users can easily find.  Ubuntu and Mint are two of the most popular distributions of Linux available today.  While PC-BSD is included simply because I have always trusted FreeBSD for my servers and since PC-BSD is based off of it, I naturally like it.  Unfortunately it is not as user friendly as the three Linux distros, but it is getting closer.

I should have a Linux install video up within the week (hopefully).

Introductory Video

OK, I just finished uploading the introductory video for the video blog.  I am still working on the audio but it is now in sync with the video, it just needs to be louder.

The next video I plan on is going over basic terminology for computers.

Introduction and Welcome

This blog and video blog on YouTube are my solution to a problem that I have had many times.  I am, or rather was, the professor of a Computer Science department at a local college, and while I love to teach and watch students of all ages grow beyond what they think is possible for themselves, I despise office politics and games.  Hence the reason I am currently not teaching, I have had enough of the games played in schools.

Now, back to why this has been created.  My instructors and myself always had trouble finding videos that explained, demonstrated, or showed either basic computer skills or basic computer technician skills.  The videos that we found were either far too short and did nothing but confuse the viewer, or they jumped ahead of where they were trying to go that they left the viewer wondering what happened.  Of course the biggest problem most of my students had with technical videos were with the presenter... a monotone, uninspired person trying to explain something that they were either bored with or had no reason to be trying to teach.

That is where I have decided to step up and solve my own problem, plus be able to help out people that would not ordinarily have access to a computer professor.  I am not going to make videos that that are only for computer techs, I want to make sure that everyone can benefit from these videos.  So I will be doing some basic computer knowledge and beyond, I am not only going to cover computers but also other areas as well like hooking up your new BluRay player to your TV and answering the question "What is this and where does it go?".  These videos will also get into some more technical areas such as setting up a Linux web server, troubleshooting your own computer system, setting up a network, etc.

I welcome your feedback, as long as you show some respect to myself and others, remember everyone has an opinion and a point of view, yours may not be the best.  If you have suggestions of something you would like to see, feel free to let me know and I will try to get to it.

Unfortunately, I have far too many ideas of things I would like to do and try for them to actually happen and all work out correctly.

So hang on and here we go....