Interesting message, Colin.
I'm going to be blunt - I think there are some widespread misconceptions about linux users and that some of your assumptions about ALUG come from these.
One is that that everyone who uses linux is some sort of evangelist who is anti-microsoft and wants to persuade everyone else to use linux instead. Not necessarily so even if some are.
Another is that ALUG is some sort of crusading organisation that should be trying to get everyone to use linux. Also not so, at least as far as I can tell.
It took me some time to see this but ALUG is not an "organisation" at all. It is a loose group of individuals with some interests in common, that's all. IMHO that really is the key to understanding everything about ALUG and what does and does not happen.
I too find most of what is discussed goes way over my head but equally I can ask my silly beginner's questions and get helpful answers. That is one of the keys things. And a lot of help goes on off-list by email. .
Although the IT professionals and old hands will not agree, getting to know linux is not simple for the novice although it has got much easier in the last year or two.
I have years of windows 3.1/95/98SE tricks, tweaks, custom and practice in my head - it will take a long time to equal that in another OS. There's no hurry - it's a hobby not a crusade - just join in and give it time to develop.
So that would be my advice - take your time, try and learn how to do one thing at a time and ask a specific question about a specific problem, one at a time, to get specific help. What are finding difficult to do in Xandros this week for example?
And don't worry about persuading anyone else to use linux until you are sure that you want to use it yourself and are comfortable with it.
Really, it's up to you if you want to use linux or not. But if you do want to try using linux then ALUG is one way of meeting other people in the region that are also interested in it and may be able to help you.
I do hope to see you at another Norwich evening meeting sometime. They are just social get-togethers you know but personal face-to-face contacts will hopefully become sources of friendship and even technical support!
As a non-technical person, I'm very interested in seeing Xandros actually - maybe we can arrange something off list if you wouldn't mind me coming to see it some time? Or - why not come to the sunday meeting on the 20th and bring your kit along for people to see - a lift to and from the NRBL can easily be arranged.
Regards Syd