Making the move - Global migration to pure Linux from Windows

[jayd512]

Say for example I have a client who loves Fedora, and another runs vector linux and a third ubuntu, and a fourth run Suse.

Now they all come to me and say, "What are yo talking about... Linux is Linux"

I can relate to that, at least... but NOT about Linux. With a tech support background, I've had conversations that go like this:
ME: What version of Windows are you using?
CUSTOMER: Dell
-or-
CUSTOMER: DOS
-or-
CUSTOMER: 2000-XP-Millenium Edition

...those who use pre-installed systems on a daily basis because they have to for work or other reasons.

The latter being my target group as they are the one's we have to provide some form of support to.

That is the exact group that I've had to support for a number of years. And as far as your idea of Windoes being simple and easy enough for anyone to use... let's talk about folks who don't know what to do when the only options on-screen are either Next or Cancel.

Again, I'm not bashing Windows, nor Windows users, but I truly don't think that you can apply a pre-conceived notion of an OS or its users so easily.

Now, let's take a look at the compatibility issues that you've referenced... whether it's drivers or software.
Install an XP app or driver on Vista.
Go ahead... I'll wait......

No dice? No surprise here! (This actually is a little bit of bashing)

I think I see your point behind your argument here, but I've also tried to make mine. Linux is not Windows, it's not like Windows... and I'm hoping it never will be.

[mrj10e12]

Now, let's take a look at the compatibility issues that you've referenced... whether it's drivers or software.
Install an XP app or driver on Vista.
Go ahead... I'll wait......

No dice? No surprise here! (This actually is a little bit of bashing)

I think I see your point behind your argument here, but I've also tried to make mine. Linux is not Windows, it's not like Windows... and I'm hoping it never will be.

I agree with you on the issue of Vista which is one of the many reasons, besides .NET platform assembly and namespaces, I started even thinking along the cord of turning my clients towards Linux rather than windows.

Vista is a deadbeat as much as ME used to be. Let's face it, not many sellers of a product would say "Here is the latest version, but if you want you can DOWNGRADE to previous version, after we charge you £150 for the latest thing"

Also, regarding the drivers, that depends, again because they changed from DDK to WDK

I too hope Linux will never be LIKE Windows. Just image applying a security patch

"-and you had which distro you said?".... hmmm patch no. 1.07072 version 908787 should do.

All I did suggest was for a way, any way, and if no way above suggested is suitable, give me another way to start convincing hardware manufacturers that Suse and Fedora or Ubuntu are not all alone in Linux and we need more drivers.

That is the bottom line basically. More drivers for more options.
Without unity, or a common goal along at least that line, we will be hard pressed to get Linux "Main Stream".

Main stream I mean now to actually remotely come close to Windows in number of users. Still to this date, in spite of this very topic having been on the boards for over 10 years now, we have not come one bit closer until the past few years.

Still Windows make up some 90% or more of all desktops, whereas today it should be easier than ever to tell people that Linux is a) free and b) a viable and supported alternative.


I cant even get that far in an argument with a client about a suitable next-gen desktop for them. I am the only source of info they have, and others they know of promote Windows continuedly.

Hence, I'm stuck trying to get over to Linux and my clients are stuck pulling the other way no matter what anyone tells them.

[rokytnji]

I feel for ya. Back in the Day I was and still am a big Harley Davidson advocate. Years ago they were cheap, had a reputation of leaking oil and were not for the mainstream Motorcycle rider. They had the reputation of having to be tinkered with to keep em running. Those were good days in IMO. Parts were cheap. Basket cases were cheap. Ya had to be crazy or dedicated to buy or own one.Sounds Like Linux don't it?

If you wanted something that just worked. You bought a Japanese Motorcycle or maybe even a European Model. (Windows or Mac?)

Fast foward to today. Harleys are Mainstream. Every Yuppie, Rube, Accountant, Lawyer, Judge, Doctor, Corporate Executive now dons his leathers.
Mounts his shiny Brand New $25,000.00 Hog and just add water, boom, he's a biker. Now I know Harley Davidson was going broke in the late 70's but Willie G. is wearing gold now.

That has skyrocketed the costs of owning one. You get all kinds of unbearable personalities at motorcycle rallies pretending to be tough guys when they'll sue you if you pop em in the eye. A burger that was free in 1970 is now $20.00 because of these rich bikers. Price gouging is rampant. But, Harleys are mainstream now.

Another prime example of mainstreaming. Woodstock 1969 vs Woodstock 2009.

I like the fact that certain computer users wish to stick with Windows. The only thing mainstreaming any thing I like to do has done is leave a bad taste in my mouth and then un-affordable. But I see your point also so I sympathize. I am not anti Windows or Anti Mac. Whatever floats your boat is fine by me. I just hope if Linux ever does become mainstream that history doesn't repeat itself when everybody jumps on the bandwagon. History shows that the minute something becomes mainstream. The buzzards come out.

Sorry about the rant. But it is the Coffee Lounge I'll get off my soapbox now.

[jayd512]

Good show, roky! You said it better than I did, so go ahead and take a moment to enjoy the soapbox for a few!!!!

After all, history has, and will, repeat itself given any opportunity. And if we get a situation where Linux becomes the OS, becomes the mainstream platform of computing, then we could very well be looking at the end of free distribution.
Cuz think on this for a moment... If Linux ,any flavor of it (only one flavor mind you... we're looking for uniformity here) becomes standard fare, then of course some money-grubbing corporation is going to find a way to close it up into a nicely over-priced bundle that comes pre-installed.
Instead of the World of Window$, we would be in the Land of the Linuxe$

[elija]

If LFO had a rep system then that would deserve the full thing Roky. Don't appologise for that rant - it's right on topic and well.... right

[bigvoo]

I ( totally ) dis----agree with you that windows is easier to use than linux, well ubuntu in my case...there were some codecs in windows that i NEVER found, after searshing for weeks, while in ubuntu I have found every thing i ever wanted in the repositories, and never had to read the next day that i had just downloaded the " worst virus in computer history" also, when i decided not to " renew" a certain piece of " security" software in windows, my computer NEVER ran the same again...huummmm!