[DC LoCo] [Fwd: Re: DC computer refurbishing and open sourcesoftware...]

[Greg Reagle]

I believe him that a lot of the kids are not interested in Macs or other non-Microsoft computers.  I am astounded by the resistance I encounter about Ubuntu just because it's "different".  Furthermore, to make a gross generalization, teenagers tend to be more conformist than other age groups.

-- 
greg reagle | computer technician, system administrator | community it innovators – CITI | 202-234-1600 ext. 353


> -----Original Message-----
> From: ubuntu-us-dc-bounces at lists.ubuntu.com [mailto:ubuntu-us-dc-
> bounces at lists.ubuntu.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Cole
> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:04 PM
> To: Ubuntu Linux DC LoCo Team
> Subject: [DC LoCo] [Fwd: Re: DC computer refurbishing and open
> sourcesoftware...]
> 
> And the word back is: Willing to discuss, but... "If it ain't
> Microsoft kids ain't interested."  Followed by FUD.
> 
> I say "If they're really turning down Macs as well (as claimed below),
> something's horribly out of whack -- unless those machines are REALLY
> ancient."  Still, in spite of being an MAR, he sounds like he's not
> thrilled with that -- even if he does use AOL for his mail. ;-)
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subj: Re: DC computer refurbishing and open source software...
> Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:51 EST
> From: FirstTimeCmptrs at aol.com
> 
> Kevin - good to hear from you. I've wrestled with the FOSS question
> in the past, and after trying out a Linux machine [from MicroCenter
> with Linspire installed] and thinking a lot about it, decided not
> to go that route.
> 
> My concern is this -- we are trying to bridge the digital divide,
> level the digital playing field -- however you want to think of it.
> This inevitably means bringing kids into the digital mainstream --
> unfortunately, and ruthlessly so.  We can't even interest the kids
> who get our computers in Macs -- because they are different.  This
> is true even of the ones who go to charter school where they learn
> on Macs.
> 
> Getting the kids to go freeware would be like layering a second
> learning curve on top of the first.  the first being get the hang
> of a computer and its uses, the second doing it in a non-Microsoft
> way. It would be too much.  So here we are in a basically Microsoft
> environment, like it or not.
> 
> We are a MAR - Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, so that we get most
> stuff free or nearly free from them - e.g., $5 per install of XP.
> That helps some, but makes us feel like we are a part of extended
> their monopoly.
> 
> I am no fan of Microsoft - we run into their nastiness every time we
> do a PC [e.g., if you set up a new username in Windows, and then go
> to open Internet Explorer logged on as the new user, you find the home
> page has defaulted to MSN, even if there are 10 other usernames all
> with non-Microsoft home pages.  and the same is true if you upgrade
> from IE6 to IE7].
> 
> Happy to talk further about it.
> 
> Lowell Dodge, Exec Dir.
> First Time Computers
> 3619 Georgia Ave NW
> Washington, DC 20010
> 202-722-2822 - office
> 202-722-2877 - fax
> __________________________________________________________________________
> ____
> 
> 1stTimeComputers at gmail.com
> www.firsttimecomputers.org <http://www.firsttimecomputers.org/>
> 
> You can drop computer stuff off at our office, 3619 Georgia Ave NW,
> Washington DC, at the corner of Georgia and Princeton, two blocks
> south of the Petworth metro stop. There's still a big red "Mario's
> Pizza House" sign left by the previous tenant on the front of the
> building.  The building is set back a bit off Georgia Avenue and there
> is a small parking lot in front. You can pull right up to the front
> door. Please call first to make sure someone is there.
> 
> *First Time Computers - A Thumbnail Description*
> 
> First Time Computers accepts donations of computers and computer
> components from individuals, families and organizations. We put them
> together into usable systems for students from lower income families
> in the DC area who can’t afford to buy them. We also provide computers
> to organizations serving low income children and youth.
> 
> We wipe incoming computers clean, and load the essential software from
> scratch.  Before we deliver a system, we run it through a series of
> exhaustive checks and complete needed fixes/upgrades.  Each computer
> is equipped with everything needed to be a fully-functioning system
> for educational and personal use.  We typically deliver these systems
> to the homes of recipients or to organizations, set them up, provide
> any needed orientation, and leave a handout on how to keep the PC
> running reliably.  We ask recipients to make a $25 donation per
> computer.
> 
> So far [as of January 2007] we have taken in 2050 computers and placed
> about 1600.  We are incorporated, tax-exempt, and are a Microsoft
> Authorized Refurbisher. We are located in the former Mario's Pizza
> House at 3619 Georgia Ave NW [the big red "Mario's" sign still hangs
> on the front]. We have 7 part-time staff, mostly from the communities
> we serve.  Our website is www.firsttimecomputers.org.
> 
> Lowell Dodge, Founder
> --
>   Kevin Cole                 |  Key ID: 0xE6F332C7   (GPG/PGP)
>   Ubuntu Linux DC LoCo Team  |     WWW: http://dc.ubuntu-us.org/
>   Washington, D.C.  (USA)    |   Phone: +1.202.234.0213 (home)
> 
>             ". ! 1 |" -- Rene Magritte's computer
> 
> 
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