Chris Gehlker wrote:

> My problem comes with the notion that somehow we would be doing most 
> people a favor if we convinced them to format their drives and install 
> Linux/Open Office in place of Windows/MS Office. I just don't get it. If 
> you  keep Windows patched and don't install every piece of spy-ware 
> that  you can find on the internet it's not so unstable/insecure that 
> avoiding those problems will ever compensate most people for the effort 
> of leaning a new OS and program suite. Bear in mind that most folks 
> simply hate learning new stuff  about their computer.


Your right. People do not like change. It doesn't matter if it deals 
with computers or not. However, it is these same people that are 
generally NOT patching and NOT being careful online. I know. I get to 
fix their computers. :)

I've tried teaching them how to evaluate emails, not open attachments, 
not downloading software from unknown sources, understanding spyware, 
security issues, etc..etc..etc.. but needless to say, they are simply 
uninterested in changing their ways.

So what have I started doing? Simple -- I started to change out software 
for them with cross platform FOSS. Mozilla, OpenOffice,org tend to be 
the two big items.. Others have been Ghostscript for PDF creation (with 
a Win32 front end), GAIM for instant messaging, etc.

Whats amazing is the fact that they are very surprised that the software 
is in fact FREE. Especially Mozilla -- with tab browsing, pop up ad 
control, bayesian spam filter, etc -- it seems to be the easiest 
software package to switch people on (a quick demo seems to be the only 
thing needed.. after that, they keep using it.) GAIM is another big win 
-- the fact that it is a multi-protocol client with no pop up ads or 
other annoyances is very appealing.

By doing this, it is effectively lowering the fear of change little by 
little. After exposing them to the core applications on Windows, the 
only thing left to change is the operating system. While a significant 
change, I don't think it is nearly as "scary" when these people realize 
that all of the apps they are using on Windows work just fine on a new 
platform. Perhaps some features of Linux will make the change worthwhile 
to learn (scalable SVG icons in KDE 3.2? Multi-desktops? Styles? Window 
Decorations? Karamba?) -- needless to say, humans are visual creatures 
-- so win them over with colors first, then they can reap the benefits 
of security, open source, lower costs, etc.

Getting back to your thoughts on a wholesale change -- yes, it is too 
much. But by continuing a grassroots movement, telling people about FOSS 
software, installing it for them and showing how it is better will 
*hopefully* get them to start using the software and ideally increase 
their desire to learn more about FOSS as well as do some word of mouth 
advocating as well.

Joe