Big Box Linux (Paul Baranowski)

[Paul Baranowski]

See below for reply...

Andy Leeman wrote:
>>  From: Paul Baranowski <paul at bigboxlinux.com>
>>   * Pre-installed codes and fonts
> 
> You install extra fonts? You might be violating copyright if you are
> installing the MS core fonts without a windows license. By codes, do
> you mean media codecs, like for DVD, Xvid, Divx, wmv, MP3 and such?

Yes, codecs so that you can play media files.


>>  Here is a list of things which may not work under Linux if you buy any random
>>  computer (I know because I've been testing the parts):
>>   * Motherboard (suspend/hibernate)
>>   * DVD drive (suspend/hibernate)
>>   * Hard drive (suspend/hibernate)
>>   * 3D graphics card
>>   * Ethernet port
>>   * Webcam
>>   * Wireless card
>>   * Printer
>>
>>  In short, you are only guaranteed your processor and RAM will work.
> 
> Say WHAT? That's pretty misleading, some odd hardware isn't going to
> work in Windows either, especially Vista. But Ethernet, hard drive and
> DVD drive? I have had to install proprietary drivers on windows for
> ethernet cards, but in about 50 installs, I've NEVER had DVD HD or
> ethernet not work in Ubuntu. How would you install ANYTHING if these
> didn't work, LOL? I wish you great luck in promoting Ubuntu, but don't
> misleadingly dis the vanilla Ubuntu. I thinks it's got GREAT hardware
> support. I agree 3D graphics, wireless  and webcams can be a problem,
> but not the core components.

Most DVD drives I've tested prevent either hibernate or suspend from working.
It's the same for motherboards.  Hard drive is much less common, but does happen
once in a blue moon.  All those components that didnt work are lying dead on my
shelf right now because they failed to pass this test.

Ubuntu does have great hardware support...for Linux.  But up until now I havent
been able to recommend it to my friends, family, or co-workers because I know
that if they were to go buy random computer parts and stick them in their
computer, those parts have a good chance of not working.  Then they would say
"Linux sucks because my wireless card doesnt work".  And then they would go back
to using windows.  But now I have no problem recommending it to them because I
know exactly what works and what doesnt, and they have a place to go to get the
computer or component they need (plug: Big Box Linux).

Or you might try to convince your boss that you should be using Linux for your
web application/development platform.  Are you willing to bet your job and your
company that buying any random computer parts are going to work 100% the first
time you try them?  Are you willing to explain to your boss why you are a week
behind because the hardware you thought would work with Linux didnt and you had
to reorder new parts (and pray that those new parts work)?

Businesses dont want something that /might/ work, they want something they know
will work the first time and not have to mess with it.  Time is money.

Paul Baranowski
Big Box Linux, Inc.
416-619-0874
416-628-1252 (Fax)
paul at bigboxlinux.com