[ubuntu-uk] Dad's Computer - for want of a better subject

[alan c]

On 22/06/11 19:47, Barry Titterton wrote:
> On Wed, 2011-06-22 at 11:52 +0100, alan c wrote:
>>  On 22/06/11 09:14, Jon Reynolds wrote:
>>
>>  >    Either way, I wish my Dad would just let me put Ubuntu on there and
>>
>>  Do you intend to support his use of non free software when you
>>  obviously feel strongly about it?
>>
>>  If any of my family, or friends want my support for their PCs, it
>>  *only* comes if they are using Ubuntu, no way for Windows. Although if
>>  they use Windows, that is their choice.
>>
>>  My own life is too short to spend time supporting something I dislike
>>  for many reasons.
[...]

> I help local Windows users but try to get in a comment like "you
> wouldn't have had this problem with Ubuntu". I see it as a form of
> evangelism.
>
> There is one women whose machine got borked by a virus, who is now
> considering giving Ubuntu a try.
> Barry T

That is good if you do have the time, it is just that Windows stuff 
can take an enormous time and effort. I do support your view to make 
relationships and for people to gain confidence in you. However, I am 
pretty busy supporting friends who are now using Ubuntu so time spent 
on Windows support  without a high chance of conversion is a no no.

Also, when taking a broader view, people will take an easy route. Why 
not just continue to use (Windows) something when the free support 
just keeps coming? That supporting Windows takes ten times the effort 
of supporting Ubuntu is not something they would care about.

I used to run a free facility for a local age concern. Volunteers 
helping others. Very successful, and over three years literally 
thousands of sessions. I then discovered (Ubuntu).  But people only 
wanted Windows. It was all that their friends and family used.

How to make Ubuntu more available? I had to decide. I decided to leave 
them to their chosen fate, in the hands of others, and only to 
continue to support the alternative, Ubuntu, which was in my view more 
valuable in changing the available ecosystem.
-- 
alan cocks
Ubuntu user