Linux is ready for the desktop!

[Nadav Har'El]

On Sun, Sep 18, 2011, Guy Tetruashvyly wrote about "Re: Linux is ready for the desktop!":
> Antoher issue I wanted to mention, and I don't know how many of you
> would agree, is  regarding the
> pirated software in Israel. Here in the U.S , a store would rarely
> ever offer an installation of pirated software, the BSA here

In my experience, the situation in Israel is not very different. I'm sure
that you can find small shops who will be willing to install illegal copies
of Windows for you, but the major chains (such as Ivory, where I happened
to buy) will not take that risk. They are happy, though, to sell a computer
*without an operating system*, and probably assume that you or a geek friend
will install some illegal copy of Windows on it, but they won't help you
actually do this installation.

It would be nice if instead of selling you a computer without an OS, they
would sell you one with Linux (as I described in my previous email). Don't
like it? You can still install the pirated Windows you wanted to install in
the first place. But at least give peace (or in this case, free software) a
chance.

> The obviousness of purchasing and paying full price for software in
> the western world makes the Linux marketing much easier, in my
> opinion.

When computers cost 5,000 shekels, adding 500 shekels for Windows was annoying,
but sort of acceptable. But now that the price of a new computer dropped to
a measly 1,000 shekels? I can hardly see how people accept paying an additional
50% for the OS. Or even more for the OS plus office. So I agree we should be
seeing more success for Linux (and OpenOffice) marketing. I predict we will,
in the coming years. As I mentioned, my workplace already completely dropped
MS-Office. I think the transition is just beginning.

> 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.

I agree :(

Nadav.

-- 
Nadav Har'El                        |                    Monday, Sep 19 2011, 
nyh at math.technion.ac.il             |-----------------------------------------
Phone +972-523-790466, ICQ 13349191 |Life's a bitch, but god forbid the bitch
http://nadav.harel.org.il           |divorce me -- Nas