[plug] Linux viability on the desktop (was: Article: Klez and OpenOffice should both spur Linux use)

[Craig Foster]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ben Jensz [mailto:jensz at wn.com.au]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 9:33 AM
> To: plug at plug.linux.org.au
> Subject: Re: [plug] Linux viability on the desktop (was:
> Article: Klez
> and OpenOffice should both spur Linux use)
>
>
> I know that I'll probably get at least a couple of people
> off side by saying
> this, but I think it has to be said.
>
> A lot of large companies and even smaller companies that
> currently use
> Windows/MS Office platforms for their desktop computers on
> their network
> aren't looking at saving costs on software.  They are
> obviously paying for
> their software now, so obviously paying for it isn't really
> a huge issue,
> sure its a purchase cost saving if they can use a free
> solution, but thats
> not the issue as I see it.
>
<snip good stuff>
>
> I just think that the advocating of Linux on the desktop in
> general in the
> Linux community is being tackled in the wrong way.  People
> are addressing
> the wrong issues that businesses have.
>
> IMHO of course :)
>
>
> / Ben

It's not an unrealistic opinion. Most people are comfortable with what
they have, "it's a part of running a business" is the usual reply.
However Microsoft has made price an issue with "guilty until proven
innocent" lawsuits and "pay as you go" licensing agreements.
My usual retort is to say something along the lines of :-
"For all this money, they don't support you or fix glaring problems.
Unless you have a credit card. Remember why I set your MS Word from AUS to
UK dictionary?"

On one hand the management are getting clever (GPL limits commercial
viability, you can't charge for your programs even if they only rely on a
procedure of a  GPL'ed program/library), and yet they are so stupid to be
leaning on their potential customers in the form of school students.
(Maybe the students should be made aware of the legal bullying and
tactics. A pro-GPL "get'em while they're young" campaign that minimises
the dual evils of Microsoft and rampant piracy of good commercial
programs)

YAHO (Yet Another Honest Opinion)

Craig F.
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