Loading Linux on former M$ computers... [Re: [Leaplist] Partitioning Gurus?]

["pberry2" at cfl.rr.com]

Kyle Gonzales wrote:
> On Sun, 2007-02-11 at 16:37 -0500, pberry2 at cfl.rr.com wrote:  
>   
>> The lowest cost computers  have Microsoft on them, so folks grab them, 
>> and then, when they see all the nagware screens, constant pop up 
>> reminders to pay up 'or else', and trials for spyware, adware,malware, 
>> pop-up blockers, prevention programs that they have to purchase, for 
>> upto $950 on a new Dell, they are ready for Linux.
>>     
>
> Or they take it to a local computer store, who "fixes it" by removing
> all the crud, and then Windows is fine again.  There is a big business
> in the maintenance of consumer Windows OSes.  I mean, Microsoft keeps
> the Geek Squad in business.
>   
The local computer store, Or the Geek Squad, Inc. (Recently sued for 
using stolen repair software, nationwide!) sometimes not having a 
legible registration number, or the docs, for an older system, then puts 
on a 'shop' number, that FAILS the WGA!  Yes, Microsoft keeps techs. in 
'business' at over $80 per repair or hour (Geek Squad charges $120 
/hour?), PLUS, the purchase prices of all the software.

But, Microsoft is ALSO the incentive for all the drive of greenhorns to 
try out Linux.  We all know the frustration of teaching these 'children' 
to 'walk' the walk of Tux, but, we need to hang in there like good 
brooders, until they fledge. 

> Or they decide to go buy an Apple, based on the cool commercials, and
> buy something that matches their iPod. :)
>   
Then they discover that they are STILL locked out of owning their own 
data, because Mac and iPod are "Corporate, Only" without open source to 
any of the code.  Much of what is NOT Mac Corporation produced is 
expensive, and is also restricted in use.
> Installing Linux as a fix for most people is a distant third option.
>   
Linux is a final resort for many because they take the long path at 
their own pace, discovering true freedom through great personal angst 
with those first two commercial experiences.  Join us, on the freedom 
train, who have no crashes or worries, no cars about the "114,000 
Microsoft Virus Definitions" and no concern for expensive annual 
renewals of 6 or 8 different 'anti-whatever virus was created this week' 
programs.


>   
>> Sad, but, the monopoly drives this. Microsoft keeps counting boxes, but, 
>> many end up belonging to 'us'!  can't wait to see that count fall more.  
>> The current loss of approximately $1 billion of return business each 
>> month at Microsoft is making them crazy. 
>>     
>
> Nearly every consumer computer that is sold in America is return
> business for Microsoft.  Until people start buying computers without
> Windows pre-installed, this will not change.
>
> The irony of buying a computer with Windows installed, then putting free
> Linux on it, is that it makes sure M$ gets paid, and sets the
> expectation that every piece of Linux-related software should be free of
> charge, but its ok to pay for Windows-related software.  No resources
> get put back into the community.  This to me is the most troubling part.
>
>   
But, I will accept anything presented, until such time as there are so 
many people acquiring or desiring Linux computers, that it is at least 
30% of the marketplace.
>> Until the Open Source movement gains about 30% marketshare, this will be 
>> the status quo.  2008 will be a turning point.
>> Continue the advocasy to grow the grassroots.
>>     
>
> If we really really really want to advocate a change, stop buying
> Dell/HP/Lenovo/etc. hardware without Linux pre-installed on it, or at
> least something other than M$ software installed (like FreeDOS, to meet
> M$'s requirement of selling the system with an OS installed). OR buy
> hardware from a provider who sell systems preinstalled with Linux.
>
>   
Hey! I did!  In 1997!  I have built my own systems, and accepted 
"curbside donations", exclusively, since 1979, with only one exception, 
when my business needed a system, in 1987, and I leased the needed unit, 
for two years. 
> Of course, this is just my opinion. :)
>   
Of course it is.  But, it is very true and we must work with what is 
reality.  Convert everyone, and every system we see, until folks start 
asking for what we provide, from Retail merchants. 

Many of us do all of that, now.   Every webpage I see that doesn't work 
right gets notified and blogged or contacted.  "Comply with the W3C" is 
becoming the message.  "Works in Firefox, and all other browsers" is 
also our mantra!

Every brick and mortar retail outlet gets my requests for GNU/Linux and 
*BSD hardware and when they can't show me it, I walk.

If you go into retail outlets, Office stores, Warehouse clubs, you will 
notice huge piles of 'computer retail software' that doesn't seem to move.
Reasons:  1. It is all sold online,  2. Open Source alternatives are 
presented in the same venue, in competitive pricing, (Star Office vs. MS 
Office is one example).  3. Consumers are aware of the scams of the huge 
proprietary vendors, and are choosing FOSS...  donations  are welcomed. 

>   
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