[Lvlug] Business Selling Computers

[Linc Fessenden]

On Wed, 5 Jun 2002, Daniel S. Washko wrote:

> Here is my opinion, since you asked!

And I will expound a bit on Danns..
 
> First, the majority of users have a hard enough time using windows. 

True enough, but I believe a lot of this can be overcome with Linux just
due to it's nature of being more stable and more secure...  Most people
using windows become quickly frustrated with it's perpensity to crash
several times during normal day-to-day operating. And even more so during
program installation.  These are two points that Linux wins hands down.

> the people that probably use their computers for the internet, email, and
> word processing.  All fine and dandy so long as they are not using AOL. 

Big problem here alogn with MSN and the other proprietary internet
services - at least for now.  Many (except MSN) are still working on Linux
clients or already have them developed for release as soon as there is
enough market to warrent them to do so.  If, however, they do not have a
proprietary internet provider then getting them online is a simple thing
using rp-pppoe or wvdial..  Quick and ultra simple.

> Furthermore, the moment someone sends them an attachment to view that
> requires a MS plugin, or they go to visit a site requiring Quicktime or MS
> plugin, they are out of luck.  Sure, there is cross-over plugin, but this
> costs extra money.

This is going to be a problem.  This will require users learn something -
which is normally something they do not like to do.
 
> If you step up to the group who wants to add programs and do more activities
> with their computers, again you face the compatibility hurdle.  You cannot
> just go out and buy applications at Best Buy or Staples.  Those won't work.

This could be easilly overcome with a little work on your end and a nicely
set-up website hosting quality alternatives to regular-use M$
applications, or perhaps by including a cdrom with those apps on it and
some well written explanations.

>  This group I will include the gamers and families wanting to use
> educational programs.  Add to this the above problems, and they are not your
> ideal target group.

Gamers will be hard to sway.  Very hard.  Maybe offer a dual-boot system
for the hardened gamers and do some research to find quality and
entertaining Linux games (pitch the free games).
 
> More sophisticated users are either going to install Linux themselves, or
> not be pleased with how OpenOffice is not MS Office, or the Gimp is not
> Photoshop.  Since chiliware went under, there doesn't seem to be a
> replacement for Publisher.  

No printshop either....
 
> I personally think the best target would be small to medium businesses. 
> They are usually not looking for the variety a home user would be looking
> for and may be more open to using OpenOffice or Gimp as opposed to the
> pricier, compreable applications.

Definately..  With a little initiative you could possably sell them on a
nice POS system.
 
> We were just talking software here, but there is the whole arena of
> hardware.    You can go out to your local store and buy a modem or scanner
> that will pretty much come with drivers to work with Windows.  This is not
> true for Linux.  I'm not saying the modem or scanner will work flawlessly
> (or at all), but there is the illusion (at least) that it is windows
> compatible:  It's on the box.

Again, a comprehensive website recommeding Linux compatable hardware
should go a long way in taking care of that. 
 
> I don't want to dissuade you from your task, and I would be very interested
> in helping out any way I could.  

You can include me in there as well.


-- 
-Linc Fessenden

In the Beginning there was nothing, which exploded - Yeah right...