[PLUG] more lies about Linux

[Donkyhotay]

Unfortunately the big box stores aren't going to want to push linux 
because it isn't profitable. People know windows, and even if they don't 
like it, it's what they want because it's what they know. Also, if 
people move to linux then they learn about the advantages of FOSS and 
learn how many great open source alternative programs exist out there. 
If people learn about open source software then they are less likely to 
purchase proprietary software. By selling a linux computer the, the big 
box store my make the same amount of money as they would selling a 
windows computer, but they lose the opportunity to sell them proprietary 
software. Chances are if someone uses linux then they are unlikely to 
also purchase, an anti-virus & MSoffice & photo editing software & big 
name game titles & finance software and pretty much all the other little 
programs that are needed to flesh out a windows install but come free on 
linux. Most people buy all this stuff because they don't even know that 
are non-proprietary alternatives out there, many of which run on 
windows. If people never know or even hear about FOSS, or only hear 
about it in a bad way then they won't be tempted to try it and will 
continue to buy proprietary software for the rest of their lives. In 
regards to the problem with it being 'harder' then windows I feel this 
is subjective. I've found that teaching someone to use linux that has 
used windows or osX for any length of time is difficult mostly because 
they need to unlearn all the bad habits they've picked up. On the other 
hand if starting with someone that has never used a computer before in 
their life it's pretty easy to teach them how to perform basic functions 
on linux such as web browsing, Email, word processing, etc. Also in 
regards to the 'linux invalidates the HP warranty' discussion, I 
currently do HP tech support and as of right now, installing linux does 
not invalidate the warranty but in order to recieve technical support 
you would have to reformat/reinstall the original version of windows the 
computer came with. This isn't just for linux either though, this is 
true even with another windows based OS, if you buy a computer that 
comes with vista and install XP (or windows7) on it, the system would 
need to be formatted and the original OEM OS reinstalled to recieve 
technical support.


Do not be afraid to joust a giant just because some people believe in 
windmills.


David Kaplan wrote:
> Here's the latest Blog of Helios.
> http://www.linuxlock.blogspot.com/
> 
> Ken points out that Best Buy, Office Depot and others are lying to people
> about Linux so they only think to buy Windows 7.
> 
> Maybe it's time to speak with some of these managers make them aware of
> their misinformation. I'll bring my laptop w/ Ubuntu on it and give them a
> demo so they can see for themselves what Linux is, because most employees
> and managers are ignorant of Linux and it's time they did know the truth.
> 
> Dave
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