[ubuntu-uk] Free vs non-free drivers etc

[Norman Silverstone]

> > < snip >

> > When I first changed to Linux I thought that I would be able to do all
> > that I wanted to do on my PC without having to pay money for software.
> 
> I find I can do this - so far anyway, even though I would not have 
> great objection to payment (although my income happens to be small 
> now). I moved to linux because of poor quality commercial software 
> which to add insult to injury, had me in a stranglehold!
> 
> > However, I soon came to realise that this was not the case.
> 
> could you explain more please?

I have no knowledge of Linux and the command line and, therefore, I am
not able readily to modify existing Linux software. For example, I was
not able to print successfully using a colour printer. So I bought
Turboprint, problem solved. I want to get involved with stacking frames
from video files taken using a telescope. There is an excellent piece of
software available free, which will only work on windows but there is a
piece of software called Astrostack which will work on both windows and
Linux and has to be bought.

There was Bridge Baron, a piece of windows software, which I was not
able to run using Wine. However, it runs well under Crossover which I
bought.

I hope that helps.

< snip >

> The normal 'Retail' and advertising environment we have causes people 
> to reject any alien non retail item - plenty of reasons for distrust. 
> Ubuntu is being 'marketed' in pseudo retail fashion. The Shipit CD 
> packs are attractive, and Ubuntu shows signs of becoming a de facto 
> 'Brand'. And I am doing my best to help it along too.

Also, anything free is viewed with suspicion.

Norman