Bob Schwier on Fri, 8 Nov 2002 16:40:05 -0500


[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: [PLUG] non profit linux


The problem is that horrible constant that every one has used MicroSoft's
product and is therefore familiar with it.
The point is to create a method of imposing Linux that gets over that.
It is not that linux has to be able to do what these people need, it is
that it has to be readily demonstratable that it can do what they need and
replicable when they get back to the machines they have to use.
We need to archive linux o.s. that can do most of the useful tasks that
will work with archaic donated machines with harddrives that we would
scoff at. 
We should not expect non-profts to use donated money to make machines
work even to upgrade the hard drives of ancient machines.
The code needed for this exists as it was written once upon a time.
It should be accessible.  
Sorry to rant but this is one of my hot buttons.  This is applicable even
out side of the U.S.  Think of the places where even an 8088 could make a
difference.
bs


On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, jeff wrote:

> 
> >There is a TON of Microsoft software in the nonprofit world in Philadelphia.
> 
> Yeah, but there's a ton of it *everywhere*.
> 
> 
> >Doesn't it make sense that nonprofits would prefer open-source
> >(philosophically and financially)?
> 
> I would.  I even work at a non-profit.
> I'd love to go to linux for so many reasons but the main roadblock is that 
> *I* am the only person out of about 400 who knows anything about linux and 
> I don't know that much.  The people I work with are still confounded by 
> Win98.  They'll call every day with the same problem, largely one that can 
> be solved with a reboot.  Then they'll call the next day with a similar 
> problem.  Trying to insert knowledge is more difficult than getting a raise.
> 
> Q. What's the only thing dumber than one of my coworkers?
> A. Two of my coworkers.
> 
> Having said that, I will eventually put together a system that looks like 
> Windows enough to fool them.  If I can pull this one off, maybe I can 
> deploy a few desktops.  Heaven knows I won't have to worry about them 
> installing instant messengers (or much of anything else).
> Maybe that will work for you too.  Give them pretty much what they're used 
> to using.
> 
> 
> >The real price of Linux, however, for these groups is an initial knowledge
> >investment that most people are too afraid/unwilling/don't know how to make
> 
> It would be like trying to pry open a car with a match :)
> (where I work, at least)
> 
> Seriously, it's a rather large proposition.  Plus there are lots of people 
> who know Windows.  Not so with linux, and you'll definitely need lots of 
> support.
> 
> 
> >appreciate any input from you. How to train people?
> 
> Gunpoint.
> If that fails, tell them their job depends on it.
> 
> I'm sorry... I'm sure there are some people out there who can adapt.  I'm 
> just thinking of what it will be like when I try this.
> 
> 
> Best of luck,
> Jeff
> 
> _________________________________________________________________________
> Philadelphia Linux Users Group        --       http://www.phillylinux.org
> Announcements - http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
> General Discussion  --   http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug
> 

_________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group        --       http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion  --   http://lists.netisland.net/mailman/listinfo/plug