The momentum that software piracy has created here is too much to oppose, at least in my country. If Linux is going to offer itself as a better platform, then information campaigns promoting or at least introducing it will take a very long time to grow, from seed to sapling.

Perhaps in a country where use of illegal software is punishable, and where illegal software are not as accessible as they are here in my country, a movement to offer a stable and free OS is worth the call to arms. After all, the reason Windows is costly is that it is NOT WORTH THE PRICE compared to the costs of maintaining it and the stability if offers. By contrast Linux and ‘Nix-like systems are more stable and costs nothing and offers alternative apps to those offered in Windows. Problem is, as is with my country, Windows is practically free compared to the genuine software and worry-free compared to the perceived hassles of installing and tweaking Linux. So folks here will go for the familiar OS and embrace instability and viruses and crashes, and allot money to pay for the services of a technician. (The teenager manning the nearby Internet cafe can save your files when your Windows flatlines, but he know squat about Fedora Core, Ubuntu, or Open Suse.)

Sad, but this is the way things are, as I see it, in my country. Meanwhile, semi-geeks like me will continue to download Live CDs (for fun) and continue to tweak his PC, which dual boots into Windows and a distro of choice.

I hope that was a little enlightening. I love Linux, but I also have my feet on the ground.

Welcome to my world. Where have you been? You might want to catch up at http://blog.lobby4linux.com.

Not been there, done that…

Am There, Doing that. Look at what we’ve done, the response we’ve gotten (or better, haven’t gotten) and email me when your ready to talk. Things are afoot you might want to know about.

helios

Actually the direct sell approach doesn’t work at all with Linux. We need to be innovative and think of highly creative and different ways to promote Linux and not by the usual evangelizing approach which turns off the listener almost immediately.

Naresh - Great! Keep those up

Arlen - It is not that I am concerned about the [slow?] uptake of Linux by desktop users. I just think it’s a shame to see them paying for Windows Vista, whether it be for an off-the-shelf copy or one which came with their PC when they can get an OS which is just as good for free, and which can be kept as cutting-edge as possible for no extra cost. It is this fact, I believe, which will convince people to use Linux. There has to be a clear advantage to counter the temporary compromise of productivity associated with the adoption of a new Operating system.

helios - Ken, I read your blog quite regularly and I know that you’ve tried similar approaches (such as radio broadcasts). However, two preachers are likely to be heard by a greater crowd than one

hari - That is true. I do think that we’d reach some people in this way, although perhaps not as many as we’d like. What other methods would you propose? How about displaying a recurring penguin theme in different places (internet, adverts, etc) and eventually, after a few weeks, explaining what the penguin represents?

Apart from that, I think companies like Red Hat and IBM are already marketing Linux to their own target audience, so that’s one aspect of it.

Linux is getting into the mainstream consciousness. Slowly, but surely.

Now we just need to think of something to tackle these problems

Communisium means freedom for everyone

Therefore, Linux is Communism!

On a serious note, linux penetration is being held back by three types of people:

1. People don’t know about linux

2. People know about it, but think its to much hassle/don’t see the point/want to game

3. People who actively hate linux (and I have met them.) They are the morons to which linux ‘destoryed’ their hard drive, and the ones who think that linux is being used only for l33t haxx0rs. People like this:

You are kidding arent you ? Are you saying that this linux can run on a computer
without windows underneath it, at all ? As in, without a boot disk, without any
drivers, and without any services ? That sounds preposterous to me. If it were
true (and I doubt it), then companies would be selling computers without a windows.
This clearly is not happening, so there must be some error in your calculations.
I hope you realise that windows is more than just Office ? Its a whole system
that runs the computer from start to finish, and that is a very difficult thing
to acheive. A lot of people dont realise this. Microsoft just spent $9 billion
and many years to create Vista, so it does not sound reasonable that some new
alternative could just snap into existence overnight like that. It would take
billions of dollars and a massive effort to achieve. IBM tried, and spent a
huge amount of money developing OS/2 but could never keep up with Windows.
Apple tried to create their own system for years, but finally gave up recently
and moved to Intel and Microsoft. Its just not possible that a freeware like
the Linux could be extended to the point where it runs the entire computer from
start to finish, without using some of the more critical parts of windows. Not
possible. I think you need to re-examine your assumptions.

As for the types:

1. We can educate them about Linux - not a problem, but not a simple task either.

2. More difficult… Some of these we can educate and persuade, but others (such as gamers) are lost causes.

3. These we cannot convince, but others can. If Linux DOES become a mainstream OS used by millions of people, then will these people begin to understand just how good an OS Linux is.

Same deal with switching to Mac: most people stick with it after the switch. They key is the installed and running part. Mac has the advantage here cos it’s dead easy to install: you just need cash!

I think we need to get Windows user before the Mac-o-philes can get there hands on them.

Let’s see what effect Dell has with its introduction of Linux-running computers for the general public. After that, by looking at Dell’s failures and successes, we may be in a better position to judge which method of marketing Linux works best

It’s kinda embrassing for such a linux junky to say, but I may well be getting a Macbook.

Well I hope you put Linux on it too! Hehe!

The only question now: black or white?

A Mac

It depends how much my loving, kind, wise and considerate parents chip in…;)

Hopefully, I’ll have Ubuntu running on a black mac soon…

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