| W. Chris Shank on 13 Sep 2004 22:01:02 -0000 |
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>From someone who has been running a "Linux" business for over 2 years I can sympathize with both sides of the arguments here. The conclusion I've come to is that Open Source software (whether it's Linux, Open Office, Mozilla, what have you) isn't for everyone. Most people just want their computers to work and be easy to use and be compatible with the rest of the world. That's it. For that mindset, Windows is generally easier. However, the thing to be aware of is that everyone has different perceptions of what is acceptable for each of these requirements. For some, Windows is even too complicated. For others, RealPlayer is the "standard" media format. For others still Outlook and Word are the computer and everything else is a black hole in their understanding and perception. The trick (and difficult and expensive part) is to understand where your users are and what they are willing to accept. Oh, and one universal that all of these users understands is money. So never discount the cost argument, whether it be upfront costs or down the road future "upgrade" costs. Everyone understands them - they have all been burned by the costs at some point or another. My lesson running a Linux company has been that to most users the thing on their desktop is the computer. But the reality is that for most businesses, the thing on the desktop is just a window to the real computer. Find a balance between what they want and need and what you can live with and support. I can say from the support perspective, a 100% linux environment (desktop and server) is hands down FAR FAR FAR easier to support than the equivalently setup Windows systems (setup = email, office apps, internet, & biz speciality app). Sooner or later the rest of the world will realize this too. Anyway - regarding Act! - try Sugar CRM (www.sugarcrm.com) it's open source but also includes support from the company behind it. Oh yeah - and I'm sorry if my top post is bad form. I never realized there was a netiquette involved in posting a message. Also, I happened to be in Windows XP right now testing something on Outlook, so if the text is screwed up - sorry. Chris -----Original Message----- From: plug-admin@lists.phillylinux.org [mailto:plug-admin@lists.phillylinux.org] On Behalf Of Howard Bloom Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 4:52 PM To: plug@lists.phillylinux.org Subject: RE: [PLUG] More critique of Linux desktop -----Original Message----- From: plug-admin@lists.phillylinux.org [mailto:plug-admin@lists.phillylinux.org] On Behalf Of Ed Martin Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 4:40 PM To: plug@lists.phillylinux.org Subject: RE: [PLUG] More critique of Linux desktop Howard Actually I thought being called a Nuts Zealots Kooks was offensive. And I also run a consulting business and have been for the last seven years. I think you are a narrow minded user. If you where really solutions driven you would be finding ways to get your clients away from being a target to mainstream virus/ worm programmers. Since you pointed out that there are no programs to replace Act! I corresponded with a few folks and it seems a similar CRM package could possibly put together with off the shelf open source components. This is called doing something about it and not being a spectator. Spectators watch and complain when you lose. Doers get it done. I am taking the high road and I'm going to do something about it. Because that is what this group is for. I invite you to help if you can put you pessimism beside and look for a solution. If not then please don't respond I really do not need anyone bringing me down when I'm trying to find solutions to issues at hand. Ed Martin ___________________________________________________________________________ My reference to kooks, nuts and zealots was not my view, although from the threads, I do believe that this list has more than its fair share of zealots. That reference was how "we" and yes I include myself here, are looked upon by the mainstream computing public. People who write for most of the magazines see "us" as kooks and zealots and I'm afraid that I can't deny the last remark. There is a perception that Linux "kooks" are much like Vegans or PETA people. Not only should we not eat meat, but we should not own animals either. Let them all run wild. Many on this list have made it clear that my use of Linux is unacceptable since I don't use it 100 percent. The public perception is correct. Many here are unreasonable and would rather force their beliefs upon me. I choose what OS I will run and where. When I have a client with a need I made a judgment whether Linux or MS is the solution. I have been excoriated for even thinking that Microsoft is acceptable. I was told to leave the list. Hey, if you don't like the policies of the USA - go find another country to live. Don't you see the similarity? So, if my reference to kooks and zealots offends, accept my apology. To all of you who are true kooks and zealots, my apology does not apply. Howard ___________________________________________________________________________ Philadelphia Linux Users Group -- http://www.phillylinux.org Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce General Discussion -- http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug <<attachment: winmail.dat>>
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