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How To 'Sell' Open Source Software

An anonymous reader writes "Have we missed the boat in terms of selling Linux to the average Joe? The writer of this article at NewsForge certainly thinks so. He points out that most people don't yet get the idea of a free operating system, and that the best way to start winning them over is to provide free software for Windows, such as OpenOffice.org." This sentiment isn't new, but unlike a lot of commentators, the writer in this case is in a good place (as a retailer who's tried selling Linux-equipped systems) to observe the man-on-the-street reaction to Free operating systems as of 2003.

7 of 490 comments (clear)

  1. Jesus by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    The average Joe DOES NOT want, know how to use, or give a shit about Linux.

    They're just going to keep paying for Windows until a big enough company tells them not to.

    GNAA for life.

  2. Re:How to buy open source software... by gfody · · Score: -1, Troll

    how bout the developers get their shit together and charge for the software. what did they think was going to happen giving it away for free?

    --

    bite my glorious golden ass.
  3. Troll parent down. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    (sometimes it isn't. GIMP RULES!)

  4. Re:Its so simple... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Do you really want a blowjob from a CompUSA weenie? I didn't think so.

  5. Re:I have a question by gfody · · Score: 0, Troll

    Sell free software (+ $0)
    Send the invoice (- $0.35)
    Get the check (check for $0?)
    Go to the bank (- $gas)
    Pay my bills

    now, unless your bills are less than negative 35 cents plus gas I am still confused as to how its possible to make a living on free software. unless of course you live in your parent's basement

    --

    bite my glorious golden ass.
  6. Re:How to buy open source software... by God!+Awful+2 · · Score: 0, Troll


    How about to support the developers that work to make your 'free software' in their spare time. They need money too.

    Why should I pay money to support their obsolete business model? Adapt or die.

    -a

  7. Re:But Windows is $200 retail by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    OMG L0L111 lOLOL LOLERZ!!! WDINOwS11 1is TEH!! COMPUTER!11?!?111? LOLERZ11111!!!