[PLUG] more lies about Linux

[Tim Wescott]

Reading Keith's mail and this one just caused a business model to spring,
fully grown, out of my head (just like Athena from Zeus, except my
headache wasn't so bad and no one had to go after me with an ax).

Problem:  Ultimately, only techie geeks can keep a computer going
indefinitely.  Just as cars need mechanics, computers need geeks. 
(Currently Windows users are solving this with the 'new computer every
year' behavior).

Problem:  Office Despot and company need money, and can't get it selling
free software.

Solution:  Do like the car dealers do (not to mention Fry's).  Sell the
computer, then sell the service for it.  Sell extended warranties.  Sell
on-site service.  Sell remote log-on service (ooh, won't that enhance
security!).  Sell books on how to use open software.  Sell _classes_ on
how to use open software.  There are tons of opportunities to make $$ in a
free software culture, many of which are compatible with an Office DepMax
sort of business.  So, embrace them.

Of course, this can't be done on a store manager level -- the Office
Whatevers of the world would have to make these decisions at the corporate
level.  But it would mean that the sale of a computer would be the
beginning of a never-ending revenue stream, just like the sale of a car is
the beginning of another tributary to the river of money that comes out of
a car dealership's service department.

On Thu, September 10, 2009 7:32 pm, Donkyhotay wrote:
> 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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>> PLUG at lists.pdxlinux.org
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>>
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>


-- 
Tim Wescott
Control systems and communications consulting
http://www.wescottdesign.com

Land line: 503.631.7815
Cell: 503.349.8432