The document discusses using Windows as a way to introduce more people to programming. It notes that most people currently use Windows, so teaching programming on that platform can help attract newer programmers who are still learning. It acknowledges criticisms of Windows but argues that the goal should be helping people learn programming skills that are useful, regardless of the operating system.

1. Ya'll scare the bejeebus outta' me.
(especially given what's on the next slide)

2. A Counter Argument
YAPC NA 2012, Madison, WI
Brian “BBQ” Sauls
bbqsauls@gmail.com
*.*/bbqsauls

3. Unqualifications

4. Unqualifications
I own 5 (five) Windows machines

5. Unqualifications
I own 5 (five) Windows machines
( 4 in the garage, 1 on the closet shelf, all
waiting to be recycled )

6. Unqualifications
I own 5 (five) Windows machines
( 4 in the garage, 1 on the closet shelf, all
waiting to be recycled )
I will code in lolcat as long as it keep me out of
the restaurant business

7. Unqualifications
I own 5 (five) Windows machines
( 4 in the garage, 1 on the closet shelf, all
waiting to be recycled )
I will code in lolcat as long as it keep me out of
the restaurant business
I have my own logo

9. Heresy!
(Why Windows?)

10. Heresy!
(Why Windows?)
YAPC NA 2011
ActiveState mentioned
Disdain and shunshine for everyone!

11. Heresy!
(Why Windows?)
YAPC NA 2011
ActiveState mentioned
Dissonance and shunshine for everyone!
PPW 2011
Gphat mentioned Windows and .NET
MORE Disdain and shunsine!

12. When did you learn to program?

13. When did you learn to program?
College?

14. When did you learn to program?
College?
High School?

15. When did you learn to program?
College?
High School?
Junior High?

16. When did you learn to program?
College?
High School?
Junior High?
Grade/Elementary School?

17. When did you learn to program?
College?
High School?
Junior High?
Grade/Elementary School?
Did you learn on the same type of
machine you use now?

19. What's the point?

20. What's the point?
You work with what you've got.

21. What's the point?
You work with what you've got.
What most people “got” is Windows.

22. What's the point?
You work with what you've got.
What most people “got” is Windows.
What they “got” is a means to learn Python, Node.js, Java, etc.
What they “got” is a way to program in a language that has practical
application in the real world.
(They aren't looking to generate D&D character sheets, and they
aren't peek'ing and poke'ing as a way to make more Ogre tiles for
GEV.)

23. inventwithpython.com

24. Al Sweigart gets it
“I'm going to give you instructions for installing
Python on Microsoft Windows, not because
that's my favorite operating system but
because chances are that's the operating
system that your computer is running.”
http://inventwithpython.com/chapter1.html

25. Look around the room.
We ain't getting any younger.
We need fresh faces, new blood, younger bodies.
We need to catch 'em while they're young,
impressionable, and eager to learn.
We need to get them to drink the Flavor Aid.

26. Look around the room.
We ain't getting any younger.
We need fresh faces, new blood, younger bodies.
We need to catch 'em while they're young,
impressionable, and eager to learn.
We need to get them to drink the Flavor Aid.
But they're using Windows

27. So what's next?

28. NOT THE DEBBIL!

30. We thank you for your support.