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On 09/16/2011 02:29 PM, Nadav Har'El wrote:
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cite="mid:20110916202937.GA2165@fermat.math.technion.ac.il"
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<pre wrap="">There is only one short-term solution, and it is to do what I did: Computer
stores can, and should, sell preinstalled Linux systems! Some computer store
employee could spend 10 hours like I did setting up a typical Israeli setup
on the typical computer he sells, and then offer buyers to have this OS for
free (but with no warantee either), saving them 400-800 shekels on the price
of the computer, a saving which is particularly significant when you consider
that the current retail price for a newbie-oriented but feature-packed
computer is just 1000 shekels.
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<small>Antoher issue I wanted to mention, and I don't know how many
of you would agree, is regarding the <br>
pirated software in Israel. Here in the U.S , a store would rarely
ever offer an installation of pirated software, the BSA here<br>
has a strong footprint. For many of the friends and family members
that I have cheeked their computers in the past , it was *rare* to
find an original software installed , from the OS and above.<br>
I do wonder what is the % of PC's sold in greater Israel, (
meaning not in BUG computers in central TLV ) , that actually
leave the shop with genuine Windows installed. <br>
The obviousness of purchasing and paying full price for software
in the western world makes the Linux marketing much easier, in my
opinion. I believe that in places that software piracy is common,
where a copy of WIn7 Home-edition is also " free " , it kind of
takes the sting out. <br>
<br>
I can easily imagine explaining with shiny eyes how GREAT Linux is
for a fried of mine, while he tells me with dull eyes " oh well,
but my PC Tech gives me Windows for free " and then if he gets a
court order or some kind of fine, he will call me in 10 minutes
flat saying " that Lunux or Minux you were talking about, it
sounds great, come here and install it from me ! they want1500 NIS
in order to install Windows on all my office computers !! who to
they think I am, Rothschild ? !! ",<br>
<br>
Amusingly enough, if the BSA will hit Israel computer shops hard,
and very hard, I believe that it will do very good to Linux and
Free-Software. But, with the drug dealer mentality that Microsft
used to take over the software world - " let'em use it for free,
you'll get them when they're hooked ", it may not be a surprise
that not much is being done . <br>
<br>
<br>
Guy<br>
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