This ministry is no longer active. While plan to continue serving previous clients when possible, I probably won't have much time for it.
The purpose of this ministry is providing migration services, moving Windows users to Linux or other Open Source operating systems.
My primary clientèle are churches and other non-profits. However, I do work with individuals, as well. Training is one of my specialties. While I can perform a wide range of fixes, if you need serious technical assistance, I may not be able to help you. If you simply need to understand your computer better, and want to learn how to handle things everyone should know, and get the most out of your computer, them I'm your man. Computers exist to serve human needs, but they come with limits most people don't understand well.
There are no canned lessons. Everything is tailored to your situation and your needs. This is not about making you conform to some arbitrary standard, but helping you find your own way. I know how to mind my own business and help you get what you need. My time may be limited, but you'll find it very hard to tax my patience. The only limit is your desire to understand; I'll gladly teach you anything I know about computers and software, and help you learn more on your own.
I'm not in business; I'm in the ministry. The only certification I have is my ordination. There are no guarantees or warranties, and there are never any fees. I really don't care about the money. So long as I have the resources I'm ready to serve you. Your donations are gratefully accepted, but the onus is on you to mention it. And like every other ministry, if it receives no support, there are limits on how much I can serve you or anyone else.
Topics might include:
I have experience working as a professional educator and with home-schoolers and senior adults. I can write course materials, as well.
Central Oklahoma Computer Ministry -- helping you to need less help.
Ed Hurst, Computer Minister
13501 SE 29th, TRLR 55
Choctaw, OK 73020
cellphone (405) 503-1692
Download a flier version of this page in PDF format.
Migrating from Windows to Linux: User Considerations -- Why would you consider moving from Windows to Linux? The first issue is user control.
Migrating from Windows to Linux: Security Considerations -- You might also consider computer security from a realistic point of view.
A Brief Guide Migrating from Windows to Linux -- Using Ubuntu Linux as the shortest and simplest path to experience Linux as an alternative to Windows.
Poor Man's Windows Server -- How to install a full blown server setup on any currently supported version of Windows, and the software is free.
Here is a series of articles aimed at helping those new to Linux understand and make the most of RHEL, CentOS, or Scientific Linux.
Overview -- Make sure this is what you want and need before you proceed.
Preparation -- Things to know and do before you get started.
Installation -- Walks you through the process.
The Desktop -- Introduction to the GNOME interface and some initial settings.
Firefox -- Basic security settings for safe surfing with Firefox.
Multimedia -- Adding extra functionality for multimedia files, CDs and DVDs.
File Management -- Understanding the basic nature of the Linux file system, in particular ownership and permissions.
Fonts -- Modifying the default settings on your desktop so the fonts look better.
RPM -- Not just installing packages, but the RPM system can be used to build them.
More RPM -- The RPMbuild system for building more complex projects with multiple dependencies.
Generic Build -- Using the generic Open Source scripted build process on a fun project.
Sun Java -- If you need Java for anything at all, you really need to install the Java package from Oracle.
Samba Server -- We begin the server series with Samba, which allows a Windows computer to access a portion of the Linux file system.
Mail Server -- Did you know you already had a mail server running by default on RHEL 6?
Other Servers -- The series wraps up by surveying the various other types of services your RHEL system can provide.