This project is about teaching new users the wonders of exploratory
computing in a safe environment. The plan is to take cheap or free,
outdated computers, load a free UNIX on them, fill them with small
files and tasks comprising a breadcrumb-like trail of discovery, and
then give them to persons who have shown interest in breaking out of
their Microsoft/Apple playpens.
The goal of this project isn't so much teaching UNIX as it is
inducing inquisitive people to start asking why things on their
computer work the way they do. It's part of what ESR calls the
hacker spirit I guess. For a little more about why I started this
project check out the
background page.
An example of the sort of tasks initially encountered are the
catting of files, changing directories, and altering file
permissions. Tasks toward the end of the
trail will include
basic system administration tasks. It would be nice if someone who
worked his or her way through the full puzzle could consider himself
or herself a reasonably proficient UNIX user.
The project is still in the early planning stages. I'm just now
starting to figure out what skills should be included, a good way to
offer clues and hints, and in what form things should be distributed.
Most of the thinking is happening in
the wiki.
Some good starting points are:
Please feel free to jump in with any thoughts and ideas.
