[ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu - Entroware contact?

[Liam Proven]

On 12 November 2016 at 13:49, Nigel Verity <nigelverity at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Whilst I fully understand why a PC, pre-installed with a Linux distro, is no
> cheaper than one with Windows

Go on then. Ignoring the misplaced comma, do please explain why. I
just want to check.

> I do question what is gained by paying a
> significant premium.

Freedom?

> A Linux enthusiast will presumably be both prepared and
> able to install a distro on any piece of kit that can run it,

To quote Dr Ben Goldacre, who used this as a book title...
I think you'll find it's a little more complicated than that.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Youll-Find-More-Complicated/dp/0007462484/?tag=bs0b-21

For instance, generic PCs can come with firmware or hardware that is
only Windows-compatible, not Linux-compatible.

For example:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/10/28/lenovo_downward_dogs_with_yoga_bios_update_supporting_linux_installs/

So it might be worth paying a premium for something that you know *will* work.

For instance:

https://puri.sm/

>  the newbie
> will probably start with a PC he/she already owns,

Perhaps because they can't buy Linux hardware. They have no choice.

>  and the non-techie is
> unlikely to be interested to the extent of paying over the odds.

And those are people we need to convert, not ignore.

> I've never been able to persuade any non-Linux user to install Ubuntu or any
> other distro on a brand new machine. However, I've have a fair bit of
> success with people owning older PCs, those infested with malware and people
> who are simply sick of Windows. I believe they will all stay with Linux when
> they replace their kit, but will probably ask me to do the installation
> rather than pay extra for a pre-configured PC.

Depends on the marketing, I think.

> From my experience, encouraging people to use free software is relatively
> easy. I know plenty who have gone over to LibreOffice, GIMP etc, but on
> Windows. Cost (absence of) is the principle motivation. When it comes to the
> operating system itself, the cost of Windows on a new machine doesn't really
> feature - lots of people assume it is free of charge anyway.

True. And effectively, often, it is. I live in Central Europe now, and
even today, OS and app piracy remains rife.

> They will pay
> extra for a Mac because it is somehow perceived to be better - the triumph
> of hype and marketing.

That sounds like bigotry and lack of experience speaking, to be frank.

> This leaves Linux in a sort of limbo. If a computer
> that comes with Linux pre-installed is not cheaper than a Windows PC, then
> it's hard to see any other incentive.

Immunity from malware, spyware etc.? Guaranteed openness, freedom,
security? Performance? There are many possible reasons, if sold
correctly.

-- 
Liam Proven • Profile: http://lproven.livejournal.com/profile
Email: lproven at cix.co.uk • GMail/Twitter/Facebook/Flickr: lproven
Skype/MSN: lproven at hotmail.com • LinkedIn/AIM/Yahoo: liamproven
Cell/Mobiles: +44 7939-087884 (UK) • +420 702 829 053 (ČR)