Converting "Dozies" (was Re: [ale] OT: winxp upgrade...)

[Geoffrey]

David S. Jackson wrote:

> So, I'm thinking this whole discussion comes down to:
> 
> 1. How do you identify whether your friends are either genuine victimes
> or are too stupid or indifferent to care what they use?

You don't.

> 
> 2. How best do you advocate Linux without seeming like a zealot?  (Is it
> too zealous to install only *nix and not dual boot their machine?)

I've actually converted two folks.  My mother-in-law and a good friend. 
  I approached each differently.

For my mother-in-law, I told her quite plainly, that if she wanted me to 
provide her support for her computer, she would have to run Linux.  This 
was based on the fact that she does nothing but email and www.  She does 
not need Windows for anything.  I told her I would install any OS and 
get her up and running, but I would not have the time required to 
support windows.  At the time, she was running 95 and it had trashed 
itself again.

For my friend, I was truthful.  I inquired as to his needs.  Told him 
very clearly, that, for the most part, he would not be able to run off 
the shelf Windows games and software.

I told him the issues I have with Microsoft and how they operate.  I 
provided links to such information, so he did not have to take my word 
on it.  I showed him the uptimes for my various machines.  I listed the 
software packages that would provide the functionality he needed to replace.

-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

The latest, most widespread virus?  Microsoft end user agreement.
Think about it...

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