Linux for Non-Profits?

Glowing Fish asks: "I am volunteering for a non-profit that is currently in the process of giving away grants of systems (some using Linux and some without an OS) to various non-profit organizations. One of the problems is that many of these organizations have a somewhat skewed version of what they need, thinking they need Pentium IV systems with 100s of megs of RAM with Windows XP installed. I have been given the job of politely explaining that for most non-profit organizations, it is not necessary to have this type of computing power. What is the best (and politest) way to explain to people that they don't really need this type of computing investment? Without Microsoft-bashing, how would you explain the ever spiraling relationship between RAM and OS bloat? What type of systems would you suggest to a non-profit organization for office work, and why?"

Comments

It's simple

[Anonymous Coward]

Tell em beggars can't be choosers, and this is the computer they're getting. If they can't deal with it, they can go elsewhere. This is what my parents told me, and I've turned out well.

Non profit = need for free OS

[Kethinov]

Non profit organizations have no business going and buying expensive software like Windows. Unless they plan on using Warez, the obviously cheapest solution for an organization that probably won't have a lot of money lying around is to use Linux. Seems like common sence to me.

Re:Non profit = need for free OS

[sql*kitten]

Unless they plan on using Warez, the obviously cheapest solution for an organization that probably won't have a lot of money lying around is to use Linux. Seems like common sence to me.

Mmm, yes, and thereby restrict their pool of volunteers to the Unix-savvy? Out in the real world, we have a thing called a cost-benefit analysis. This means that cheap isn't always better if cheap can't do what you want it to. You think a non-profit has the time and resources to retrain people who in all likelihood already know Windows and MS Office in Linux?

Sure, it's possible to produce great-looking documents with TeX or troff. But it's possible to produce documents 90% as good with 10% of the effort in Word. Open office is all well and good, but it lacks key features of MS Office and StarOffice, such as Windows metrically-equivalent fonts.

Someone who wants the best of both worlds is probably best off with Sun's Mad Hatter package. Yes it costs money, but it just goes to show, if you want a professionally-integrated system, you need to pay professionals for it.

Tell them the truth, simply.

[Anonymous Coward]

It's about what they want the computer to do.

And while Intel, Microsoft hype might actually be accurate if they were buying the computer to play DooM 3, their functions are a little bit different.

It's like a car commercial, F350 are nice if you've got an gigantic boat to tow, and need to haul a ton construction materials while having room for your diamond plate tool boxes, but if you just need to get around town, buy groceries etc, it's not the best choice, and far from the best value.

Basically, you're selling computers. But in a really good way, your function is to find a solution that fits as opposed to pads your commision.

I might keep a record, formal is better, otherwise would probably work too, about common misgivings and misconceptions you're confronted with. Setup a laptop specifically to refute those, carry it with you, and become comfortable with the phrase, "Well...it just so happens...." Or send screen shots, whatever.

What will they need the software to DO?

[DesScorp]

The first cardinal rule of informatin technology is that it's there serve us, and make things more productive (and preferably easier). If they have a requirement that mandates MS software, than that's that. If they're using Great Plains financial stuff, for instance, they have no choice.

Now, if they don't have any esoteric requirements, then your advocacy becomes much easier. Assuming that their needs are small, tell them:

* Older machines have plenty of computing power if they're not used for things like high end games or Photoshop.

* Linux and other free software comes with no strings attached (we're talking end user here, not code. No need to confuse them about that).

* That the free software is easy to use. Show them modern window managers and the Webmin app.

* Explain that Microsoft is not "computers" or the "Internet", and that many other platforms can fill their needs. This one is important. You'd be amazed how many people think you can't use the Internet without Windows.

* Demonstrate KDE/Gnome, OpenOffice, and Mozilla to them. Show them that they work pretty much like similar Windows up. Go through it with them from bootup to shutdown, to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable with the software.

* Explain that this kind of software comes from volunteers, and that, should they need help, or even some coding, that volunteer spirit might come into play. People are willing to work on their own time for a good cause.

* Point out the flexibility that this software gives them; freedom to use it however they like, with no worry of licensing issues, flexibility to expand their capabilities as they're able, without fear of the Business Software Alliance knocking on the door going "Let's see those licenses".

* Perhaps most importantly, point out the business that use Linux and other free software as successful examples, to stress that Linux/Open Source isn't a fringe product. When people see organizations they know about using Linux, it helps put them at ease.

* Point out the security benefits; far fewer vulnerabilities, and they won't be running virus traps.

* NICELY point out that "beggars can't be choosers". This is a fallacy, because they can choose not to use any computers at all. If you care about the mission of the organization, and you want them to adopt used computers and OS software to help them succeed, persuade them, don't deride them. As Winston Churchill said, "A fly will be more attracted to a spoonfull of sugar than a bucketfull of bile".

Two things

[TeXMaster]

There are two things you should keep in mind. Ok, three actually

1. I'd say they would/should go for OpenOffice.org; now, OpenOffice.org needs X and is not very "lean and mean". This means they do need some RAM and CPU power. As far as the RAM goes, 128 would probably suffice, but if you can go for 256 please do; more than that is most probably not needed. For the CPU, also consider the next point.
2. The choice is somewhat limited by what you can find around. I doubt you can get anything less than a PIV these days, at least if you go for new hardware. And of course, you can probably go for Athlon-based systems, which is cheaper and better. If you go for older (existing, recylced, donated) hardware keep in mind the next point.
3. Hardware obsoletes rapidly. Very rapidly. Among other things, this means that if something breaks, for any reason, the older the stuff the more difficult it is to find a spare part --which might lead to extra expenses because you need to basically buy a new computer for the simple fact that you cannot find a piece to replace the single thing that broke.

This all having being said, your best bet to tell them what they need and why is to show them.

Nonprofits get a deal from Microsoft

[sid crimson]

A another poster mentioned, there is not much need to get the hottest equipment. Nonprofits should do what they can to spend as little as possible. That said...

Many nonprofits (i.e. a 501(c)(3)) get a deal from Microsoft. Office costs ~$75/ea. Windows server is $150. CALs for server is $10. You get the idea.

Some stores such as Tigerdirect have recent-model PCs with XP Pro preinstalled for $600 with a three year warranty. Add an LCD and you have a $1000.00 low-energy computer that's easy on the eyes and includes service for 3 years.

I work in a nonprofit. I use Linux where it makes sense: relay to Exchange, web serving, etc. As a nonprofit the cost-barrier for MS just isn't there. And since the boss doesn't see the $100 savings-per-computer as a reason to leave when most (all?) of the savings will be spent on training.

-sid