Benefits of Open Source

Today I was in the store & someone was talking about getting a computer, and the salesman mentioned Mac vs. PC & iWork vs. Office. They did NOT mention Open Source (Firefox, OpenOffice.org, etc). This video talks about benefits of Open Source software.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Open Source
• Linux
• Open Office
• Cross Platform
• SLED
• Windows
• Macintosh

[VideoGuyNC]

The retail world doesn't like Linux because Linux doesn't make them HUNDREDS, or even THOUSANDS (in the case of Mac fans). Americans are branded almost from birth because of the MASSIVE number of endless TV ads telling kids, "buy our cool new corporate crap". The sad fact is - I'd say 80 to 85% of American consumers/pro-sumers don't know what Linux really is. It's up to us, (the Linux community) to spread the word and educate people regarding Linux, Firefox, thunderbird, OpenOffice, etc.

[skotty1992]

i have open office on my computer and i love it

[bruno580]

@VideoGuyNC here in Brazil the government supports linux and the stores are taking the opportunity to sell PCs with pre-configured linux O.S, this way they don't need to pay any license to Microsoft and can lower cost of their hardware (the difference is not really significant, but since 2006, at least 75% of the new PC users here in Brazil started on linux... many of these users format the PC and install Windows because they are used to that system, but anyway, they had contact with linux).

[TheOriginalRootbrian]

Just like Norton and McAfee, they're just as obsessed over profits. Lindows (now Linspire) tried to make a linux distro based on the way microsoft/apple does (well, the costs to install separate packages, upgrades, updates, etc) also charging a subscription-fee to have a "yearly" package manager access code.

That's a ripoff, scam and a disgrace to free software operating systems.. I have a bad feeling microsoft is going to do the same thing.

Linux needs more exposure.

[VideoGuyNC]

We (the linux community) have to show people that Linux can be user-friendly, and quite productive and stable (stability is something Windows users have wanted for years). If more people knew that they could go into a store, buy a base system (with no OS), throw a copy of Linux on it, and have an awesome computer without the problems of Windows, Linux would rule the market. The problem is - money RULES in retail. I worked retail for a short time, and I learned that profit is king with corporate.

[TheOriginalRootbrian]

I'm always talking about linux in most stores I go in, even if they try to counter my advice, I persist and eventually give up and give in.

Me, being a linux user (but lacking the programming skills lol) almost always beings a usb disk with kubuntu on it, plugging into any desktop and booting up to the desktop, bypassing DRM'd kiosk/theme.

I couldn't care if they kicked me out, it's the exposure that's most important! I did get kicked out of a rogers plus store for "installing something".

[kaltsinho]

if they complete the goal selling lot pc's with windows(better with office) they will get a bonus from microsoft.And we talk about big bonuses dude.Stores care about increasing profit,so selling windows and burying Linux is one-way...

[IzzYandPalpro]

i just recently switched from ubuntu to windows , just to give it an old run , and i tried jotting something down in notepad , and it was my Phone contacts and addresses , because i recently reset my phone , and i could not leave a flipping password on it , i could not lock it or anything , it was going crazy about everyone could go trough my files , i completely agree that open source software should be more widely used in corporate society