I'm pretty sure anyone who knows very much about computers has become aware of the FUD phenomenon (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt). This is what keeps people from trying new things on their computers, and from even finding out how their computers work (much less learning how to fix them).
The worst of this was a fellow I talked to recently who was aggravated about having to switch back and forth between windows to copy the text from one to the other. I said, "Why don't you just copy and paste?" Annoyed, he replied, "Yes, I suppose I could do that, but I don't know how."
Most aggravating was an experience I had recently at a non-profit I volunteer at. We're getting a new network setup and some new hardware, and the director was planning to buy Windows XP. I suggested that we get Ubuntu instead. 99% of the jobs done on the computers are very low-end office work, easily handled on Linux. We've already got Ubuntu on one of the computers, and it works really well.
First, I'm informed by the director that nobody else knows how to use Linux, most people don't want to use the Linux computer, and she doesn't even know how to access the Internet on Linux! (Er...you click on the Firefox icon, just like in Windows??)
Oddly, it does seem like people stay away from the Ubuntu computer. Is it intimidating because it looks different? Because the programs are unfamiliar?
Then, one of the other computer tech guys goes off on a rant about how much Linux sucks. I had argued that Ubuntu gets upgraded every 6 months, unlike XP, which was last upgraded in 2004. He said that makes XP "stable", and Ubuntu's constant upgrades mean it has "zero stability." He was really bent out of shape about Ubuntu's wireless not working for such a long time, too.
The funny thing was that he was backing up his argument by saying he was experienced in Linux after using it for years. So, apparently it's a really terrible OS that the average user cannot and should not try to use, yet he's used it for years. RIGHT. Even more funny, this isn't the first time I've heard this argument. It all reminds me of those indie-rock kids who don't want people to listen to their favorite bands, because then they might become popular, and then they wouldn't be cool anymore! It seems to me like some people see Linux as a "challenge" that only uber-geeks like themselves can surmount. If your grandma can use Linux, then your ability to use Linux no longer makes you the leet geek!
Sorry, I just wanted to vent all of my frustrations about stupid people for a bit.
Any ideas on how to get around FUD and get more people to try Ubuntu?
The worst of this was a fellow I talked to recently who was aggravated about having to switch back and forth between windows to copy the text from one to the other. I said, "Why don't you just copy and paste?" Annoyed, he replied, "Yes, I suppose I could do that, but I don't know how."
Most aggravating was an experience I had recently at a non-profit I volunteer at. We're getting a new network setup and some new hardware, and the director was planning to buy Windows XP. I suggested that we get Ubuntu instead. 99% of the jobs done on the computers are very low-end office work, easily handled on Linux. We've already got Ubuntu on one of the computers, and it works really well.
First, I'm informed by the director that nobody else knows how to use Linux, most people don't want to use the Linux computer, and she doesn't even know how to access the Internet on Linux! (Er...you click on the Firefox icon, just like in Windows??)
Oddly, it does seem like people stay away from the Ubuntu computer. Is it intimidating because it looks different? Because the programs are unfamiliar?
Then, one of the other computer tech guys goes off on a rant about how much Linux sucks. I had argued that Ubuntu gets upgraded every 6 months, unlike XP, which was last upgraded in 2004. He said that makes XP "stable", and Ubuntu's constant upgrades mean it has "zero stability." He was really bent out of shape about Ubuntu's wireless not working for such a long time, too.
The funny thing was that he was backing up his argument by saying he was experienced in Linux after using it for years. So, apparently it's a really terrible OS that the average user cannot and should not try to use, yet he's used it for years. RIGHT. Even more funny, this isn't the first time I've heard this argument. It all reminds me of those indie-rock kids who don't want people to listen to their favorite bands, because then they might become popular, and then they wouldn't be cool anymore! It seems to me like some people see Linux as a "challenge" that only uber-geeks like themselves can surmount. If your grandma can use Linux, then your ability to use Linux no longer makes you the leet geek!
Sorry, I just wanted to vent all of my frustrations about stupid people for a bit.
Any ideas on how to get around FUD and get more people to try Ubuntu?
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