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[LUG] Marketing Linux

 

Hi folks,

Earlier on today, during a break from a job interview I was having, I
was in WH Smiths having a look at the magazines.  There was a couple in
there discussing the magazines on the shelf.  I couldn't help but notice
they were talking about Linux magazines.

>From what I could see, they were parents looking for a magazine for
their kids.  I'm guessing their kids had asked for a Linux magazine. 
They were looking at the Linux Format guides on Suse & Mandriva and also
the other Linux mags (Linux User & Developer, Linux Format etc).

I was in a bit of a hurry so couldn't really give them any advice on the
spot, but it got me thinking...

As you all may or may not know, I run my own business providing computer
repairs, upgrades etc.  There seems to be a lot of people advertising
computer repairs (I can think of three I have seen locally in Torquay,
one guy whom lives in the same street as me!).

Now I was thinking about a unique selling point.  Most of the local
people offering computer repairs seem to cover the usual - virus
removal, upgrades, repairs etc on Windows.  I haven't however seen any
(yet) offering any sort of Open Source offerings.

On the past couple of jobs I've done, I've been telling my customers a
bit about Linux & Open Source.  I've been providing them with copies of
Firefox, Thunderbird and OpenOffice.org for Windows.  I've been dropping
into the conversation about Linux, usually when they ask me about the
next version of Windows they've read bits about in magazines.

I'd like to do a bit more to help promote Open Source.  I'm now just
about completely moved over to Ubuntu (okay, I'll admit, I still do run
Windows under VMWare for my MiniDisc recorder and printing CDs on my
Epson R200 printer).  I daren't switch my girlfriend's PC over yet, I
get enough grief from her for going near her PC!

What I'm wondering is, are there any sites out there which can give me
help in promoting OpenSource (and hopefully my business too!). 
Microsoft have something for small system builders to push
Windows/Office/Exchange etc, but to be honest, it's hard to be
competitive when I've got to stick £60 on the price of a PC for Windows
(competing with Dell is hard enough as it is!).

Rob


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