Re: Promoting Linux
My answer is Internet cafes. I am right now searching the net using Ubuntu while burning a Kubuntu CD in my friends internet cafe. Recently he had a letter from the government saying that he should expect an inspection team to visit his cafe soon to check he isn't using pirated windows software. What is bad about it is that this government team appears to be specifically about checking to make sure you're not using pirated WINDOWS software and nothing else.
So I told him, as a previous linux user for my home computer (although still a newbie), that I could probably set up his cafe using free linux software for nothing. Because he bought old computers with windows already installed, and altho some of them have the XP sticker, he is worried about the potential fine of around $200 (160 euros) per PC (in Spain). He is stressed enough so I'll hopefully be able to complete my task succesfully as he can't afford to buy 10 XP licenses now that the economy is in bits here.
Internet cafes in places like here are used very regularly by holiday makers and I think if they see it is faster and easy to use this will also get people used to seeing the word LINUX, especially maybe if it is advertised on the wallpaper. I have found Linux quite easy to install with minimal fuss, just as easy to install is windows IMO. In fact back when I was having a problem with nVidia drivers for my graphics card under Vista (LONG STORY), I had no problems at all with my dual boot Ubuntu. No crashes, nada.
From the little I have researched there appear to be plenty of distros or ways of making linux look more like windows Xp and that will help also.
Originally posted by buckeyered80
So I told him, as a previous linux user for my home computer (although still a newbie), that I could probably set up his cafe using free linux software for nothing. Because he bought old computers with windows already installed, and altho some of them have the XP sticker, he is worried about the potential fine of around $200 (160 euros) per PC (in Spain). He is stressed enough so I'll hopefully be able to complete my task succesfully as he can't afford to buy 10 XP licenses now that the economy is in bits here.
Internet cafes in places like here are used very regularly by holiday makers and I think if they see it is faster and easy to use this will also get people used to seeing the word LINUX, especially maybe if it is advertised on the wallpaper. I have found Linux quite easy to install with minimal fuss, just as easy to install is windows IMO. In fact back when I was having a problem with nVidia drivers for my graphics card under Vista (LONG STORY), I had no problems at all with my dual boot Ubuntu. No crashes, nada.
From the little I have researched there appear to be plenty of distros or ways of making linux look more like windows Xp and that will help also.
I wonder though, are there not some apps that clients demand on Café computers? I have no idea about fashionable tech (kiddie kit) but people do expect that stuff to be be compatible when they plug it in. I'm thinking iTunes, blackberries, and stuff like that. Like I said, I have no connection with that kind of stuff but people who like it will have their expectations. I do hope you succeed. You have a great idea. 
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