Patrick Holthuizen wrote: > Hello, > > Since a few weeks I am thinking about the idea to provide support for > Linux in my local neighborhood for people who do not have much > experience with mailing lists, only speak their native language > (non-english) and/or prefer the physical appearance of a person for some > other reason. Besides participating in a local Linux user group I > thought of the idea to fill a google map with my contact details and > information about which physical area I am willing to provide support > for, for example: > > http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=101371347574559367262.0004733f5a52cceeb5c90&z=12 > > Now I wonder, does something like this already exist? What do you think > about this idea? I for a person think this could be a good idea for > providing something like a physical support network for Linux. > > Thanks for your critique in advance! > > Sincerely, > Patrick Holthuizen > > Great Idea,
Now and then i shop for custom made computers and loose components and i usually go to the small pc shops (rotterdam) that build there own systems and i have discussed with them why they don't sell any Linux pre-installed computers, besides the couple of euro's they can spare on the Linux license for a home desktop, i figured the money could be worth it for them in the office suite's and something like ebox for small company networks. The main reason they don't do it is because of support, not that they can provide any software support themselves for MS, but at least they have somebody to blame (MS) if things go wrong and there are plenty of people who provide support for it. I think your idea could work out well if you can come up with a standard desktop/server combination and a network of small retail stores that are willing to join once they know that they are backed up by reliable local support. The main problem will be that you will need a organized network of admins that do things the same standardized way, i think i don't have to point out to you what an endless discussion that will be ;) Randall -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-user-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org
