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

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".