Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

[woodsmoke]

http://www.coastweek.com/kenxin_060112_05.htm

woodsmoke

[whatthefunk]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I think this is happening all over Africa and probably a lot of the rest of the developing world. The first time I ever used Linux was in an internet cafe in South Africa a couple years ago. Before that, I thought Linux was nothing but a terminal and a bunch of guys wearing black calling each other Neo in Ewok and Klingon.

But yeah, these guys can either pay a couple hundred bucks for a real Windows copy, get a pirated one that they cant update and probably has loads of bugs, or install a free, supported OS that can do everything they need it to do. I know what I would do...

[HalationEffect]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

a bunch of guys wearing black calling each other Neo in Ewok and Klingon

You just gave me a good chuckle, and a really funny mental image that will stay with me for a while. Thanks!

[Detonate]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I can imagine the impact if the Chinese government started cracking down on illegal software the way the Kenyans are.

[de_koraco]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I think this is happening all over Africa and probably a lot of the rest of the developing world.

Once the online statistics firms recalculate their polling system to properly incorporate the developing world in their reports, I think we will get a more balanced picture of real GNU/Linux usage.

[ardvark71]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

Hi all...

From the coastweek.com article...

"Jack Ojiambo, who sells computers at Jamia Mall, a shopping complex in Nairobi’s Central Business District said that they no longer sell computers with software installed in them, unless it is from open source.

“Most of the time clients used to buy computers from us and demand that we install software in them. Initially, we used to do that until when the crackdown began,” he said.

Now, Ojiambo said when a client demands that they sell a computer, which has software, they install Ubuntu.

“We tell that it is the only software, which is available free unless they want to buy genuine Microsoft Windows operating system because if they use pirated, they will be prosecuted,” he said.

However, although they install the open source operating system, many people in Kenya, according to Ojiambo do not know how to use the software.

“People are familiar with Microsoft Windows because this is what they learned in college. If you install the others for clients, they return the machine noting that they cannot use the operating system yet we do not have genuine software,” he said."

I can relate. I'm facing something similar right now. I'm in the process of preparing the computer I'm writing this on to replace the workstation that is for free use by the tenants who live in my complex. The system that is being replaced has Windows XP, which everyone is used to. The computer that, Lord willing, I'm replacing it with has a copy of Ubuntu 10.04 I just installed on it about a week ago. The cost to install XP on this machine would not be considered justifiable but at the same time, I'm hoping the tenants who will use this system will look past that to see what far better options Ubuntu offers, in the software I've installed (and will be available to them) and in how I configured it. And all for free, in terms of both the monetary expense and the GPL.

I've installed a ton of games and other software (not available on the other system) that I hope will appeal to most of the folks in the complex. Plus, I've locked down Firefox to control the "content" one would be able to see. One would pay a LOT of money for the same kind (and amount) of software for the system using XP.

Of the things I'm hoping Linux and other open source software will accomplish is to encourage Microsoft to examine their pricing structures (even for older versions of their OS) and to understand how cost prohibitive it is for many people to use (or deploy) their OS.

I am glad, however, that the issue of piracy is being addressed and that the crackdown has compelled folks to move to legal solutions.

Regards...

[woodsmoke]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

Hi aardvark

As to the tenants not being "used to" your Linux system.

I', personally, found out from donating many computers with first Xandros, then Klikit, then RevLinux on them that if one sticks to the "older desktop" interface, and you put plenty of games etc. on it, and have FF front and foremost, that most folks really don't notice a difference.

Now, something like Kubuntu might put them off a little but if they never see anything more of the file structure than is seen in Dolphin folders I think they would have no clue about the system.

The "thing" that they have to get used to, in my experience, is installing new stuff.

They are just to ingrained in the way of going to the store and buying something.

But, they wouldn't do that on your system anyway.

woodsmoke

[oshunluvr]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I assume the writer is not very computer savvy as it seems he has confused open-source with software published under the GNU GPL. Not all open-source software is publicly licensed nor is all publicly licensed software open-source.

None-the-less, it is somewhat exciting to see what the impact of freely available software can do to change the marketplace. Imagine if the US Justice Department announced it was going house-to-house to review software licensing? I'd put all my money into Canonical stock that very day!

[GreyGeek]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

.....

I can relate. I'm facing something similar right now. I'm in the process of preparing the computer I'm writing this on to replace the workstation that is for free use by the tenants who live in my complex. .....
I'm hoping the tenants who will use this system will look past that to see what far better options Ubuntu offers, in the software I've installed (and will be available to them) and in how I configured it. .....

If someone complains that it is "not windows" ask them if they want to donate the $365 that a Windows Premium costs, and do the maintenance and support it will require? If they say "but I know how to use Windows", then ask them if they were born with the knowledge of how to use Windows. IOW, they learned how to use Windows, they'll learn how to use Ubunutu. But, with FireFox & Chrome installed, most won't have any problem surfing the web or using their gmail, yahoo or msn accounts, so I don't expect you'll hear anything from any but the Windows fanbois.

I've installed a ton of games and other software (not available on the other system) that I hope will appeal to most of the folks in the complex. Plus, I've locked down Firefox to control the "content" one would be able to see. One would pay a LOT of money for the same kind (and amount) of software for the system using XP.

Be sure to replace the host file with one that blocks most of the porn, ad and spyware IP addresses, the parents will love that.

Of the things I'm hoping Linux and other open software software will accomplish is to encourage Microsoft to examine their pricing structures (even for older versions of their OS) and to understand how cost prohibitive it is for many people to use (or deploy) their OS.

You really aren't aware of Microsoft's business model or ethics, are you? I wouldn't hold your breath for that wish. One of the most reliable income streams they have is the new version upgrade treadmill. Microsoft won't lower the price on older versions, that would be cutting their own financial throat. The success of Linux has forced them to continue the support of XP, VISTA and Win7 in order to reduce the number of those users who would jump to Linux rather than pay the high prices for the next release. To make matters worse for Microsoft, the PC desktop, laptop and notebook and netbook market is shrinking, and Microsoft's offerings in the tablet and smartphone world are not getting traction. Microsoft is barely breaking even on its branding and marketing costs of WinP7 by extorting bogus license fees from Linux and Android vendors. IOW, Microsoft is on the cusp of becoming irrelevent in almost all domains except corporate America.

I am glad, however, that the issue of piracy is being addressed and that the crackdown has compelled folks to move to legal solutions.
...

Microsoft originally encouraged piracy, despite BIll Gates famous letter, to accelerate adoption, and "work out ways to extract license fees later". One of those ways was the Business Software Aliance (BSA), which makes money extorting leagal users of Windows who didn't feel it necessary to keep their originial reciepts safely stored away. If you purchased a copy of Windows to install on a PC did you keep the install discks AND the original reciepts, for easy access even five years later?

Everyone who has used Linux for a while has heard of the BSA raid on Ernie Ball, which illustrates the law of unintended consequences.

Ernie Ball makes guitar strings. They make the strings I have used for years (but trust me thats no tribute to them, I probably shouldnt mention that at all based on my lame guitar ability). Well as it turns out Ernie Ball used to be a big Microsoft shop and big Microsoft supporter. Until one day when the BSA (Business Software Alliance) had federal marshals show up at their door, do an audit, and shut them down. As it turns out they had a "few dozen" unlicensed copies of software that they claim were on passed down pcs where the drive had not been wiped clean and were not used. The company was shut down for a brief time, fined, and had its name blared all over the media for being a software pirate. This was a result of the BSA's "turn in your boss" campaign. You might recall this gem. The BSA was basically encouraging disgruntled employees to turn in companies. Piss on your customers by offering their disgruntled employees a way to get back at you, thats what software companies need to do right? (Pretty much RIAA style alienate your customers, IMHO. Dont get me wrong, technically if you have illegal software you should remedy that situation and either get rid of it or license it, agreed, but are smear campaigns, raids and in general gestapo tactics the best way to treat your customer base?) So after this little debacle the President of Ernie Ball said get the Microsoft crap the hell out of here if they are going to treat us in that manner. And they did it. They run Linux, OpenOffice, Mozilla and so on. Not only can they now tell the BSA to piss off but they claim to be saving tons of money and they are inherently secure in todays world of Microsoft severe security holes every other day. Open Source has worked and worked well for Ernie Ball. Thanks of course to the BSA! For more see the linked news.com story.
...
Ball settled for $65,000, plus $35,000 in legal fees. But by then, the BSA, a trade group that helps enforce copyrights and licensing provisions for major business software makers, had put the company on the evening news and featured it in regional ads warning other businesses to monitor their software licenses.

The BSA and its lawyers made some money. Microsoft took its cut. But, in the long run, Microsoft LOST a lot more than they gained. Thinking they were going to "scare" a lot of business into "compliance" and re-license software most had already paid for, this event gave Linux a big push in SOHO markets. A year later, in 2004, ZDNet reported that Linux had achieved 4% of the desktop market share and predicted 8% by 2008. In 2009, Ballmer himself showed a graph which gave Linux about a 12% desktop market share, exceeding ZDNets predictions. This scenerio is repeating itself in Kenya.

[SteveRiley]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I thought Linux was nothing but a terminal and a bunch of guys wearing black calling each other Neo in Ewok and Klingon.

I have a terminal window open. I am currently wearing one black sock. The universal translator dangling from my right ear is softly feeding into my auditory cortex a Klingon opera regaling the epic battles of the great warrior K'Neo. So, uh, what's changed?

I can imagine the impact if the Chinese government started cracking down on illegal software the way the Kenyans are.

The US's economic relationship with China is much more complex than with Kenya. Consider:

* they own two trillion dollars of our debt
* we buy most of what comes out of their factories
* they have a rapidly-growing middle class that increasingly wants to buy some of our stuff

It's easy for US businesses and government to raid hapless, helpless countries that don't offer much to the US other than a pitiful stream of forcibly-acquired profit. Fighting piracy in China is a much more delicate affair. There's also the growing disparity between the national and the provincial governments. Graft is moving local and its power is on the rise.

James Fallows, correspondent for the Atlantic Monthly magazine, has for years chronicled the changes in Chinese society and politics, much of that time from inside the country. For an informed and balanced view of the struggles this nation continues to endure as it lurches toward modernity, his books and articles are simply the best you can find.

Microsoft's offerings in the tablet and smartphone world are not getting traction.

Remember the brown Zune? I really would like to know who imagined that a music player the color of a turd would appeal to anyone. Meanwhile, truly innovative products like the Courier Tablet routinely get dumped.

[ardvark71]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

that if one sticks to the "older desktop" interface, and you put plenty of games etc. on it, and have FF front and foremost, that most folks really don't notice a difference.

That is what I have done almost to the letter. It looks a lot like Windows.

The "thing" that they have to get used to, in my experience, is installing new stuff.

But, they wouldn't do that on your system anyway.

Correct, they won't be allowed.

Regards...

[GreyGeek]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

I thought Linux was nothing but a terminal and a bunch of guys wearing black calling each other Neo in Ewok and Klingon.

I have a terminal window open. I am currently wearing one black sock. The universal translator dangling from my right ear is softly feeding into my auditory cortex a Klingon opera regaling the epic battles of the great warrior K'Neo. So, uh, what's changed?
....

tlhIngan maH! Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam

(Not really! )

[SteveRiley]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam

*sniff* I just reached the point in the opera where today became that day for the great K'Neo. I must go mourn now and prepare for his arrival in Sto-Vo-Kor.

[ardvark71]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

If someone complains that it is "not windows" ask them if they want to donate the $365 that a Windows Premium costs, and do the maintenance and support it will require?

I've thought about putting fliers on each door asking for donations but I'm not sure I would get very much for various reasons.

Be sure to replace the host file with one that blocks most of the porn, ad and spyware IP addresses, the parents will love that.

Thank you for the idea.

You really aren't aware of Microsoft's business model or ethics, are you?

I work on computers...I didn't major in economics during my college years.

I admit I don't know that much about Microsoft's MO and perhaps my thoughts were a bit naive. I just thought if Microsoft continues to see their revenue slide down the tubes because more and more people figure out they can get the same kind of software for free as well as have more rights to it, that they would adjust their practices accordingly.

Regards...

[SteveRiley]

Re: Kenyans turning to Ubuntu

they would adjust their practices accordingly.

You're operating under the assumption that the guy who runs the place is a rational, logical human being.