Linux 4 your Mom!

Cheap VS. Value

2011-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

How often is the cheapest thing available the best value?

Businesses can only offer you two of the three things that we all want: high quality, good service or low price. Pick two, because you can't have all three!

For example: Walmart is really good at price, but not so much on quality and definitely not on service. Nordstrom is always going to have amazing service and the highest quality products, if you can afford it. When you seek a bargain by comparing identical products pricing from multiple retailers you're sure to sacrifice on customer service or warranty.

Value is a good combination of quality, service and price that custom fits you - Value is what we all really want..

What do you shop for by price alone? The cheapest shoes you can find? The cheapest car? Like to wear a cheap watch? Marry a cheap girl? Have you ever tasted discount peanut butter?

Why would anyone seek a cheaply made technologically advanced product like a Computer? Really? You think a discount computer is a "good deal"? Good luck with that brother!

www.neverbuyanothercomputer.com

Microsoft and Toothless Hookers

2009-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

How many people do you know that are running software they hate - just because they paid for it? Maybe Microsoft Office 2000, outdated virus protection, or an antiquated financial tool?

I see people resist better made, more modern, free software just because they have "skin in the game" with an inferior product. There is no question that Open Office 2009 is light years ahead of Microsoft Office 2000! But people seem determined to wring every last drop of "value" out of software they waste money on - no matter how terrible it is! (Norton Antivirus comes to mind)

Here is a vivid example set in the real world: Suppose you head down to the local bar and the resident-toothless-hooker is running a $25 early-bird special. Not wanting to miss out on a deal you quickly foist over your deposit. Then you decide to hang out and have a few beers first. While "hanging" you meet a lovely young lady (with teeth) that, after a few shots, takes a liking to you. So the delima - do you cash in on your $25 investment with ol' "Toothless Terri" or do you let the money go and take the much prettier girl home for free?

So yes, Microsoft products are much like toothless hookers - available for a price, they get the job done, present you with numerous legal issues, and are virus prone.

Free and Open Source Software is not cheap or discount by any means - it is just paid for in a different way.

The best things in life are free right?

FOSS can save us!

2009-10-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

It is less likely that your Mom will try new software if a price tag stands between her and the experience... is she likely to grow? is she ever going to try anything completely new? Who knows Mom might even find a breakthrough in muffin technology?

The point is that the world has somewhere approaching five billion brains. (how much would proprietary software cost for 5 billion people?) I think those brains could help solve most of the worlds problems if only they were connected, if only they had access to advanced tools (technology). The next generation of scientists, biologists, architects, etc... will need serious software. I am certain that technology and communication is likely the only thing that can save us now...

Free and Open Source Software to the rescue! (I mostly want better muffins)

Open Windows?

2009-10-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

Its obvious to me that Linux and Open Source Software is going to do more in the next year or two than it ever has.

With Google, Intel, and IBM all working on desktop versions of Linux to directly compete with Microsoft Winblows. With "the cloud" (web) taking over... With most major PC manufacturers offering Linux PCs as an option now.

I heard yesterday that Microsoft is opening the .pst format to make Outlook more compatible - never thought I'd see the day... How long until they start to open Windows? I agree it will likely start with some retarded Microsoft version of the GPL. But, at some point Microsoft will not be able to control a billion lines of code internally.

And once we are all living in the cloud - who really gives a damn how we get there?

Michael
www.gutsygeeks.com

"I don't want to re-learn new apps..."

2009-10-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

You do it all the time already... in Windows! You re-learn new versions of your office suite now and then, your cd burning program, web browser, financial tools, security systems, etc... and once in a while you re-learn your entire OS!

Right now a lot of people are considering Windows 7... My advice is to make that re-learning count for something, and give Ubuntu Linux a try. This way your are re-learning for your own benefit! In fact Ubuntu will save you 50% on the cost of PC ownership (not having to buy software), plus it will keep you safe and sound... FOREVER!

Ubuntu is BEST for home users... and Moms

Cars and Oses

2009-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Easy for a driver to adjust to new technology in automobiles. (hybrid cars still have steering wheels right?)

Not So Easy for a mechanic...

Easy for an end user to adjust to Linux OS from Windows. (can you use a mouse?)

Not So Easy for your "go to guru" or a "computer professional"...

This is precisely why your "go to computer guy" is not likely to advise you switch to Linux. Because it is harder for them, and they lose power over you! The less you know the easier it is, and the more you benefit (cost and security).

Linux is best suited for novice users (your Mom)

2009-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

It is much easier to switch a less advanced user to a modern desktop version of Linux (Ubuntu) than "gurus" and "professionals". Plus, my Mom would be better served by the lack of cost and lack of security issues that plague Windows users.

Moms like to use things like web-based email, edit photos, write letters, play online games, and track their finances. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn to use those types of FOSS programs. In fact, Moms can get started with FOSS in Windows (firefox, open office, picasa) and wait for their next PC to take the plunge into Linux.

*FOSS = Free and Open Source Software

*I do not advocate that average users install operating systems themselves (Linux or Windows). The best way to get Linux is to buy a computer already configured with it (Dell/HP/Acer/Asus/RedSeven).