General user categorization
Two end-user categories are considered in the scope of this document: a beginner and an intermediate user. The categorization is based on knowledge and experience in the usage of an operating system and applications on top. There is no focus on security experts and in-depth knowledge in information security is not expected.
The goal of this categorization is to provide accurate documentation adjusted for a particular user type to maximize its utility. Descriptions below define general differences between a beginner and an intermediate; they do not define them across the whole documentation, rather are used as a basis of further categorization for each internal section.
Beginner
A beginner user is defined as a person with moderate technical skills in terms of running an operating system, developed by common everyday use. Their understanding of the operating system is superficial – they can use the basic features, but do not understand processes below the user interface. Due to a lack of information security and privacy knowledge, their system needs to be secured by default.
Beginners are able to install, launch, use and terminate desktop applications. They are capable of adjusting simple properties of the system and applications, like colour themes or the desktop background. The environment is accessed solely through the GUI.
Users at this level of skills are not experienced in working with the command line at all. However, some commands may be executed directly on the command line when following provided clear and simple instructions on further configuration of the environment or troubleshooting.
Intermediate
Skills of an intermediate user form a superset of beginner skills. They are interested in information technology and developed a deeper knowledge in specific areas needed to accomplish non-trivial tasks. Information security and privacy knowledge of an intermediate is moderate- they are aware of basic threats they might encounter.
Besides beginner system employment, intermediate users are confident with adjusting some system properties and trying new features and applications. Since they are interested in possible different experiences and want to make use of any available flexibility, they tend to explore and alter available options and settings. They are not always satisfied with defaults.
To either change the environment or solve problems, they can search for, read and understand standard documentation. Intermediate users also possess basic command-line skills. They are able to handle the filesystem using the CLI, read manual pages, execute commands with administrator privileges and even write simple scripts to automate processes.