"No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful.... This is a world where Windows runs on virtually every computer and putting on a carnival show for an operating system is not helping these children at all."
I see it as a simple problem with a simple solution that needs a little blood and sweat (hopefully no tears): Linux needs a network of evangelists (who do more than just read Slashdot) who can stop these "myths" in schools nationwide. I think the local town Linux User Group would be a good starting point and could perhaps start by demonstrating using a bootable LiveCD, gimp and openoffice. Followed by a workshop teaching how to install linux on dualboot systems. Once you teach a few students, they can be the cool kids who inspire and teach other kids (and their parents) how to do it.
Why do you think Microsoft visits colleges, gives away edu licenses for almost free and throws free pizza and Xbox parties? Sure MS pays its evangelists and student volunteers, but I think we should think of Linux evangelism as another way of giving back to the Linux community and to society. All you need is a few laptops, a projector and a few burnt CDs. If you succeed in one school, you can give the same presentation in other schools. Do not be surprised if you get requests! Its critical that you know your audience and do a good job the first time.
Slashdot Mirror
"No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. ... This is a world where Windows runs on virtually every computer and putting on a carnival show for an operating system is not helping these children at all."
I see it as a simple problem with a simple solution that needs a little blood and sweat (hopefully no tears): Linux needs a network of evangelists (who do more than just read Slashdot) who can stop these "myths" in schools nationwide. I think the local town Linux User Group would be a good starting point and could perhaps start by demonstrating using a bootable LiveCD, gimp and openoffice. Followed by a workshop teaching how to install linux on dualboot systems. Once you teach a few students, they can be the cool kids who inspire and teach other kids (and their parents) how to do it.
Why do you think Microsoft visits colleges, gives away edu licenses for almost free and throws free pizza and Xbox parties? Sure MS pays its evangelists and student volunteers, but I think we should think of Linux evangelism as another way of giving back to the Linux community and to society. All you need is a few laptops, a projector and a few burnt CDs. If you succeed in one school, you can give the same presentation in other schools. Do not be surprised if you get requests! Its critical that you know your audience and do a good job the first time.