Re: [Hampshire] simple description of open source etc.

On Wednesday 23 March 2011 08:40:57 Edward Beckmann wrote:
> I have a sneaky feeling
> that uptake of open source, especially in a small office context, is
> closely related to the number of people who cannot answer a simple question
> in a helpful manner.

I have found that "It's a lot more secure" and the odd mention of Big Boys who
use it goes a long way. If X uses it (Specsavers, Wimbledon, the vast
majority of supercomputers.... ), then it can't be that bad.

But I actually find that it is no use unless I have been asked for advice.
It's no good preaching to those who are not open to it in the first place.
They just dig their heels in further.

Oh - and lending someone a laptop running Linux while his desktop is out of
commission being repaired/rebuilt works brilliantly! (I found that one out
by happenstance!)

When I was young, women were bra-burning and demonstrating stridently in
support of Women's Lib. But some of us just edged our toes into the crack in
the door. The second worked, in my opinion, far better.

Lisi