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On Mon, Mar 28, 2011 at 12:08 PM, Neil Winchurst <barnaby@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > There is much discussion on the list about getting people and businesses to > move over to open source. Now I am fine with that. Being a pensioner my main > reason for spreading the word is to help some of our older citizens to save > some money. I suspect that many of them are just using a computer for some > email and a bit of browsing. I can't see the fun in paying lots of money to > MS for that. > > However when I hear that so many businesses, schools etc are stuck in their > ways and have no interest in moving across my immediate reaction is 'Fine. > Let them get on with it. Their loss.' Meanwhile I will still continue saving > money and having fun with my computer using Linux. > > But there seems to be quite a strong desire among list members to really > work hard at this. I must be missing something here. If people really don't > want to know should we care? Speaking personally : I am actually quite passionate about it really and this certainly rubs off on those I meet. I have always enjoyed helping folk (with any endeavour - not just computing). I think the general lack of awareness that there even is an alternative to windows (or mac) is the main problem. People just dont know about linux. When someone says I need a new computer or gets a virus or whatever computer complaint, I am not satisfied until I have explained the benefits of linux and its disadvantages (mainly that there is a learning curve). I think this education is required before individuals or businesses are able to make *informed decisions*. If, when I am satisfied they understand the information, they choose to remain with windows, fine. And, as you say, "let them get on with it". For me its about sharing something great with friends (and others) and making sure they are able to choose what is right for them (of course, linux is the right for everyone ;-) lol). Best wishes roly -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/listfaq