On Tue, May 18, 2010 at 9:25 PM, Paul Sutton <[email protected]> wrote:
> > they do them, but they seem to imply that you need to be some sort of > techy person to use it, it points out that some programs may not be > compatable with others, given that openoffice can work with office > files and can also work with open document format, adn that open office > also works on windows, i think its designed to push people towards > windows, MS probably has something to do with this. > I'm a bit baffled as well - http://www.dell.co.uk/ubuntu used to link to a (very) limited list of Ubuntu laptops - and a couple of Desktops occasionally.....but it would appear that now it takes you to a list of machines running Windows, with no option to get Ubuntu pre-installed or even to order without an OS (and the subsequent OEM licence fee). I think it's only fair to explain the differences to people though between the operating systems. The number of tasks requiring command line usage are becoming less frequent in Ubuntu, but this is still often the easiest way of resolving issues, and that can create a lot of fear for people.... The other issue that needs to be highlighted is software incompatibility - there is plenty of software out there that requires Windows and won't run in Wine, not to mention hardware that doesn't play nicely in linux. I've seen an alarming trend in hardware with web based interfaces that require ActiveX as well (some managed Linksys "Cisco Small Business" switches, Sony IP CCTV cameras). All of these are potential issues that users need to be aware of - and rose tinting the issues ruins the users overall experience, as they see Linux as an obastacle to "doing what they want to do". It's old, but I do tend to point people at http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm when I start talking to them about making the change....a "Use Linux, it's better!" approach without discussing possible issues will likely cause them to convert back to windows in a heartbeat. I can't chastise Dell for applying a suitable warning to products they are actively selling....but would actually like the link on their website that advertises a product I would like to buy to actually exist!
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