[Lvlug] PC Linux OS 2007

[Chris]

Darryl Gibson wrote:
> Chris wrote:
>   
>>>   
>>>       
>> The comment I was refferring was the line about Ubuntu having
>> no problems. However, the thing that set me off was:
>>
>> "One of linux's strengths is its ability to breath new life into old
>> hardware, Suggesting new hardware seems counter productive
>> to me."
>>
>> It seems as though your assuming the person wants to breath new life
>> into old hardware as opposed to start using GNU/Linux. If his goal
>> is GNU/Linux than new hardware is likely the easier option given
>> his old hardware is not GNU/Linux friendly.
>>     
>
> Not many people around here can afford new hardware, to play with linux.
>
> The coal mines have been shut down for over 30 years. Most of the folks
> around here are unemployed, under employed, on disability, or retired.
>
> Telling a customer "buy an new computer" isn't an option, If they wanted
> a new computer, they wouldn't call me, they would go to Walmart,
> provided they could afford it.
>
> I'm an electronics tech. by training, and self taught in computers. I'm
> trained to troubleshoot, and repair, replacement is the last option.
>
> The "buy new hardware crowd" is killing us in taxes. I haven't tracked
> it down yet, but I'm sure the local school district is paying a ton of
> money to keep their Micro$oft systems up to date and licensed.
>
> By advocating linux, and old hardware, I can possible save folks money,
> advocating new hardware cost them money, and adds "junk" into the
> environment/trash stream. I won't take that path.
>   
The area being depressed is an understatment. The school's do waste 
money and I wouldn't defend them for a second. I'm not advocating the 
throwing away of good hardware either- just the crap that results from 
people making poor purchasing decisions (not to place blame or 
anything). If you try to explain 10 different possible reasons they are 
having a problem and 10 different ways to fix it- not one of which is 
guaranteed to work and the person may not even be capable of it doesn't 
do anybody any good- except it will scare them away from GNU/Linux.

My point is making things so difficult for people that they can't switch 
to GNU/Linux you are just costing them more money because the longer 
they run one of the dominant operating systems the longer they have to 
make unnecessary upgrades to software and hardware. The more often they 
will need assistance and often costly technical support.

Just to make a point. I purchased a laptop in 2000 with 128MB of ram. I 
then proceeded to upgrade it twice in less than a year, to 256MB and 
finally 512MB. Shortly after upgrading to 512MB I switched to GNU/Linux 
and haven't upgraded in 7 years, yet have gone through three different 
laptops in that time. If I was running Microsoft Windows today I can 
guarantee you that I would have at least 2GB+ of ram. Using a 2005 
edition of some distributions I even have as much as 270MB of free ram 
after booting in KDE.

-- 
Have you tried GNU/Linux lately? http://kglug.org/index.php/Computers