Slashdot Mirror
How to Encourage Use of OSS?
Marc Light asks: "I repair computers as a side line cause I want to keep up on what's going on in the world of computer technicians. When someone comes to me with a problem, if I have to reinstall I first try to convince them to install Ubuntu. For now I only have 25% of success, mostly because they usually use an app. or some hardware that would complicate their experience too much. When I install Windows, I also install Firefox, OpenOffice, VLC, Winamp (not open source but if they eventually switch to Linux, XMMS won't scare them), and CDex to drive them off Windows Media Player and DRM. I then take 15 to 30 minutes free of charge to explain to them the basics of their new software. For my part, I mostly got positive response. I'd say 80% of it is positive feedback. My questions to Slashdot readers: Do you think that computer technicians can make a difference in the adoption of OSS? And if they're for OSS, should they try to put some pressure on their users/clients?"
My chicki was forced by me to switch because she took over the windows machine upstairs. I told her that in no-uncertain terms, use Firefox. Even if I have to go and tap her fingers to remind her. I for one don't want to be cleaning up all the ie crap that it leaves behind. Now she is flying through. Every once in a while, this is a good thing.
I have mod points and I am not afraid to use them.
First thing to keep in mind is to never, ever pressure the person to use free software. Let's face it, other than the fact that it is free, OSS is inferior. OpenOffice needs better Office support plus a better interface, Firefox is a RAM whore, VLC looks horrible in any mode and most any available skin doesn't help much, GIMP's interface is awful, and as a whole commercial software is much more polished. "BERGFEOGI BUT WMP AND DRM LOL!?!?!?!". Yeah, DRM exists. Deal with it. Whether you want to believe it or not, piracy is an issue and it's hurting companies. Course, most people use the excuse that "well, they're multi-million dollar corporations, they don't need my money." But they want it, you owe it to them, and they'll be damned if they're letting you cost them more by giving people what they're selling. There's also this old myth that free software is more secure. This is 100% pure bullshit - Firefox is more secure because nobody bothers hacking it, it makes up less than 10% of the browser market. Linux is more secure for the same reason; it makes up virtually none of the client operating system market. Not enough people are using the software for anyone but bug testers to bother putting effort in to hacking the thing. It's the same reason Macs are "more secure" - nobody cares. Grow up.
Windows is a better operating system than Mac OS X or Linux for the same reason the PlayStation 2 is better than its competitors. Sure, the others boast better specs, but Windows/the PS2 has tons more software/games and huge commercial/third-party support. It's also of comparable quality (let's be honest, even Ubuntu is not nearly polished enough to be considered quality - it's quality for Linux, but that doesn't change the fact that 90% of all Linux distros suck, and it only looks good when compared to those). Even more, Windows can run all that open source software. Whoever you're trying to get to use OSS probably isn't going to want a learn an entire new OS like Linux just to use some software, and it's really convenient that you can run it on Windows without making the switch.
You forgot the question mark there, but it's clear you were making a statement rather than asking a question anyway. You might as well have said that it's everyone's job to do just what Bill Gates wants them to.
What the user wants is a browser, email, text editor and spreadsheet that work. Free software does that, non free software does not and that's why they had to call someone to fix their computer in the first place. Fixing the problem is exactly what you are there to do.
Would you like your waiter to try and convince you to change your order because they don't think it's right to eat lamb?
Wow, what a sorry analogy. First, the waiter would not work there because, thankfully, one company has not forced us all to eat their brand of food and restaurants enjoy a free market. The software market more resembles a nightmare world where McDonald's took over the entire food supply with government help. Second, I'd be more than happy if my waiter told me something like, "We got some beautiful fish today, you really should try it." Most of us like a helpful waiter. Automobiles provide a better analogy in this case. How would you feel, if your mechanic "fixed" your car with a factory replacement fully knowing the part was defective by design? How would you feel if the mechanic also knew of and use a community developed replacement engine that cost nothing, worked better and lasted forever? I'll bet you would think that the mechanic let you down, perhaps to protect his own business.
Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.