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?"

Comments

Re:Converting

[alienw]

Why not?

Because Linux is definitely not ready for primetime, and will just give people a really bad impression that will make sure they will be the last ones to ever try it again. Here's an example. They have an older nvidia card that's not supported by the latest drivers (like a Geforce2/TNT2/whatever). You install the legacy driver from the nvidia website. They perform all the updates that Ubuntu suggests. Next time they reboot, nothing will work (Ubuntu patches the kernel like once a week or so, and it totally breaks everything). Not to mention, they are in for a surprise if they ever want to watch DVDs, visit a website with Shockwave, play streaming video, or use their ipod/other music player. Linux is just not a mainstream desktop system like Windows or MacOS.

If someone is mostly happy with Windows, just give them a live CD to try out. If they are really unhappy with Windows, definitely offer to install Linux on a dual-boot partition. Acting like a drug dealer ("here, why don't you try this? it's really good shit") isn't a good way to make a positive impression.

Re:Converting doesn't become you.

[CrackedButter]

Buy your daughter a educational iMac, don't skimp on your children.

Re:ATTENTION MODS

[twitter]

Awww, is my favorite stalker out of mod points? It does not look like anyone has taken up your pathetic plea over the last four days either. Better get busy or M$ is going to think they are wasting their money on you.