Supporting Ubuntu growth

[Peter Whittaker]

On Mon, 2006-31-07 at 09:47 -0400, Allen Graham wrote:
> Lately I've been asked to repair or update friends, neighbours etc
> computers, it isn't difficult but I'm not a tech. So I'm taking the
> stance that they MUST switch to Ubuntu Linux, since the Windows
> problems have become a real pain. Forced "Updates and Upgrades" 

FWIW, that's the stance I've taken at home, and so far so good - if the
"Ubuntu experiment" with my daughter's laptop works out, the last
remaining vestige of the Windows Empire (the 98SE box upstairs) will
receive a nice shiny brain transplant....

I cannot help but think that this trend will be important - perhaps not
large in actual numbers, but compelling and thought provoking in its
visibility: One reason some have persisted with Windows is the handy
support of tech-oriented friend or relative.

That FoR has gotten irked, nay vexed, at the effort of maintaining the
Windows empire. And at last, they have an alternative: A distro that is
getting good press, has a great community, and does everything Windows
does except the stupid parts. Now they react: If you want my help,
change.

The real question is this: How many IT decision makers will have their
thinking changed by the fact their teenagers improved their own
computers by blowing away Windows?

Tangential but semi-related thoughts....

At the office the other day, I was asked about a list of laptops known
to work with Ubuntu, because the colleague in question was tiring of the
WE - blew his mind when I showed him the LaptopTestingTeam pages on the
Wiki. +1 there.

At Future Shop last night, my wife saw some iPod speciality sync
software for just 20 or 30! Wow! Until I mentioned we didn't need it
'cause Ubuntu already did that....

Ubuntu Linux: More value. Less pain. 

(Somehow, I don't think they'll adopt that tag line.)

pww

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