[ubuntu-za] [Small Business]

[Trevor Hughes]

On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 12:19 PM, Raoul Snyman <
raoul.snyman at saturnlaboratories.co.za> wrote:

>
> One of the crucial parts of setting up a business of any size is costs.
> This is where Linux wins out over Windows. Also, not only is it free, but
> it's stable and, once set up, it doesn't need to be constantly pampered.
>


Raoul

Whilst I agree with your sentiments, Windows is still essentially free as if
small businesses want to cut costs they can just pirate it and any other
software they need. Pirating software is the norm and most people think
absolutely nothing of it. Linux will appeal to those with a senses of fair
play an morality that says "If I am benefiting by the use of the software
in running my business then I agree to abide by its licensing terms." Then
Windows and proprietary software costs a fortune and Linux is free!

After all how many small businesses do you know of have been shut down due
to using pirate software despite those shocking ads on TV by the BSA.

Perhaps one way to advance the open source /Linux (Free as in beer) software
angle is for us Linux/open source advocates to actively lobby for piracy to
be cracked down on.

I use windows at work and have all the free open source stuff that I can
including Open Office (core use) and then GIMP/Inkscape (minor but important
use nonetheless).appropriate. Users (thankfully only a few) still say - Give
me coreldraw and I'll be done in a flash - when they see me struggling with
Inkscape! (BTW I would struggle just as much with CorelDraw).