Hello! I happened to stumble across this site while doing research on Linux and FOSS for photography. I thought that my perspective on the topic might be useful.
Just some quick background - I have been using Windows along with many different software packages for image processing for many years, including Photoshop, since version 5.0. I use the computer and software as tools and have been doing so since the days of MS/PC-DOS, WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3. I am concerned with getting things done. When it suits me or peaks my interest, I can and will delve deeper into things and while I’m familiar with the command line, I’m not really interested in using it unless absolutely needed.
What has that got to do with the topic at hand? While I think the idea of introducing beginner’s to FOSS for photography is important, I believe it would be more important to specifically discuss Linux and basic FOSS first, followed by an introduction to image processing and the various tools available.
What is my interest in Linux and FOSS? As an individual, I am concerned with the direction of Microsoft’s approach to their operating system, their software, and surrounding privacy issues. As a photographer, I am very concerned with the direction Adobe is taking with their cloud platform and subscription service. So, I am looking at my alternatives.
I feel that FOSS on Windows or Mac can be dealt with in a fairly straightforward manner, as has been described in this, and other posts here. Further, there are many resources that already exist about the software available for the two platforms. Whenever I have done any searching, it was relatively easy to find software. In fact, it is relatively easy to find software for “linux”.
What I view as the most important aspect of beginning/Intro to photography with FOSS is the choice of underlying operating system. Although not as familiar with Mac, I believe the choice is set (OSX?). Windows is pretty much locked in, or will be, to Windows 10. At the moment I have systems that run or did run on XP, XP Pro, Vista, and Windows 7 Starter. I avoided Windows 8/8.1 and have no desire to move any to Windows 10.
As a “beginner” moving to FOSS and Linux, my concerns may echo those of other new users or those considering a switch to Linux. With Linux, the choice of underlying operating system, or distro, is confounding. I have spent a lot of time looking at and playing with various distros, everything from a Debian base install and adding the software I think I might use, to the various 'buntus, Fedora, Manjaro, OpenSUSE, Antix and MX-15, etc. with various desktop environments when available, including LXDE and LXQt. I find the level of creativity and choice astounding and I could spend, and have spent, way too much time examining the possibilities available. The choice becomes overwhelming! (and I don’t understand how GTK-2, GTK-3, or Qt could impact any decisions I make - never mind systemd, or whatever else is out there)
How then, would I suggest this topic be approached?
Initially, focus on Linux and provide a starting set-up by recommending one or two distros, possibly based on user’s hardware - older netbooks, laptops, computers, 32-bit vs 64-bit, and then newer hardware (At the moment I am running Linux Mint 17.3 on my desktop, two old laptops, and an old netbook, on which I boot along with Windows 7 Starter and two other distros for testing. All are more than 6 years old.)
Recommend one desktop environment that will work with either suggested distro, not the myriad of possibilities available, and walk them through the download, LIVE trial, and installation process.
Recommend how to set up the environment - turn on the firewall; install anti-virus software; ensure other software is installed for printers and scanners; etc.
Only then do I think it would be good to recommend processes and programs to try initially - image downloaders; basic JPG and/or RAW processors, like those that come with the cameras; then move to advanced programs like darktable, RAWTherapee, GIMP, etc. but do it in steps. Colour control is important but most beginners are not going to be that concerned about it - a basic method would suffice initially. A more detailed discussion on could be referenced.
As a previous Windows user, I want to know that the operating system, software and programs will function and be relatively stable, and then where to go if something goes wrong. Whether that stability is best provided by a LTS or rolling release distro, I am unsure.
Sorry for the long reply but I really have found the choices of available distros and all the “new” information to be overwhelming at times. Luckily, I have the time and patience to try various distributions and reading, but I don’t think most people will be so fortunate. They may just give up and go back to Windows or the Mac, not because they necessarily want to but it is just easier sometimes when there is limited choice.