Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]

Groups > comp.os.linux.misc > #793 > unrolled thread

What kinds of business use Linux?

Back to article view | Back to comp.os.linux.misc

Contents

  What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 19:16 -0700
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Bit Twister <BitTwister@mouse-potato.com> - 2011-04-19 02:42 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 19:51 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Bit Twister <BitTwister@mouse-potato.com> - 2011-04-19 04:27 +0000
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 21:44 -0700
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Kevin Snodgrass <kdsnodgrass@yahoo.com> - 2011-04-20 03:11 +0000
              Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-20 10:56 -0700
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? goarilla <kevin.paulus@mtm.DOTremove-thisDOT.kuleuven.DOTbe.invalid> - 2011-04-29 11:46 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 19:52 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Riches <spamtrap42@jacob21819.net> - 2011-04-19 03:45 +0000
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 21:04 -0700
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> - 2011-04-18 23:39 -0400
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? ray <ray@zianet.com> - 2011-04-19 02:53 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 20:25 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-18 23:05 -0500
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 21:20 -0700
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 14:11 +0000
              Re: What kinds of business use Linux? The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-19 15:23 +0100
                Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 15:02 +0000
                Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 11:11 -0700
                  Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 18:54 +0000
                  Re: What kinds of business use Linux? The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-19 22:20 +0100
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Bit Twister <BitTwister@mouse-potato.com> - 2011-04-19 04:18 +0000
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Loki Harfagr <l0k1@thedarkdesign.free.fr.INVALID> - 2011-04-19 10:03 +0000
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Tim Watts <tw@dionic.net> - 2011-04-19 07:09 +0100
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 11:15 -0700
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 18:57 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-18 22:48 -0500
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-18 22:48 -0500
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-18 21:00 -0700
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Tim Watts <tw@dionic.net> - 2011-04-19 07:02 +0100
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Roger Blake <rogblake@iname.invalid> - 2011-04-19 14:37 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 11:16 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Roger Blake <rogblake@iname.invalid> - 2011-04-19 19:25 +0000
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-19 15:55 -0500
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-20 10:58 -0700
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Stan Bischof <stan@worldbadminton.com> - 2011-04-19 16:12 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 16:58 +0000
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-19 18:52 +0100
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-19 18:53 +0000
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 11:22 -0700
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Loki Harfagr <l0k1@thedarkdesign.free.fr.INVALID> - 2011-04-19 18:36 +0000
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 12:24 -0700
              Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Loki Harfagr <l0k1@thedarkdesign.free.fr.INVALID> - 2011-04-20 10:02 +0000
                Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-20 12:52 +0000
                  Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Loki Harfagr <l0k1@thedarkdesign.free.fr.INVALID> - 2011-04-20 16:57 +0000
                Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-20 11:05 -0700
                  Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Bud <Bud@bud.invalid.msn.com> - 2011-04-20 21:23 +0000
                    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-20 21:25 +0000
                      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-20 18:51 -0500
                      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Bud <Bud@bud.invalid.msn.com> - 2011-04-21 20:25 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-19 11:18 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-19 15:55 -0500
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-20 11:07 -0700
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Joe Makowiec <makowiec@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-19 17:14 +0000
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-19 18:53 +0100
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? TJ <TJ@noneofyour.business> - 2011-04-21 12:17 -0400
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-21 11:31 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? notbob <notbob@notbob.invalid> - 2011-04-21 18:37 +0000
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-21 12:27 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? TJ <TJ@noneofyour.business> - 2011-04-21 18:01 -0400
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2011-04-22 17:43 +0100
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? TJ <TJ@noneofyour.business> - 2011-04-22 21:27 -0400
          Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-22 12:33 -0700
            Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-22 15:59 -0500
              Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-22 14:45 -0700
                Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Robert Heller <heller@deepsoft.com> - 2011-04-22 19:50 -0500
    Re: What kinds of business use Linux? William Poaster <wp@induh-vidual.net> - 2011-04-22 12:50 +0100
      Re: What kinds of business use Linux? Todd <Todd@invalid.com> - 2011-04-22 13:15 -0700
        Re: What kinds of business use Linux? William Poaster <wp@induh-vidual.net> - 2011-04-23 11:07 +0100

Page 2 of 4 — ← Prev page 1 [2] 3 4  Next page →

#831

On 2011-04-19, Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:
>
>    You answered why one should use Linux.  Not who IS using Linux.

Read and take notes:

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/software/19762-The-Linux-Microsoft-war-over.html

nb

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#839

Todd wrote:
> On 04/19/2011 07:23 AM, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>> the sorts of business that will be using Linux will be ones that
>> desperately need value for money, and are not attached to the infinite
>> public purse.
>>
>> Just go in with a carefully costed proposal as to how Linux could slash
>> their admin costs, and their hardware and software costs, and point out
>> that its use does not preclude a certain amount of Macs and WinPcs on
>> those desktops that must have them, and for who e.g. virtual box is not
>> an option.
>>
>> Set up a server somewhere, and go in with a linux laptop, and show them
>> all the good things you can do.
> 
> Hi TNP,
> 
>   You answered why one should use Linux.  Not who IS using Linux.
> Rats!
> 

People who understand the above rationale.

Or who are prepared to understand it.


> -T

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#807

On 04/18/2011 07:53 PM, ray wrote:
>
> We have a nice public library.  Never thought of it.  I wonder if
> I have to be related to someone?

Might check with some of the wifi hot spots around town to see what their
requirements are.


> p.s. the users will get suspicious when they don't crash.

Heheheh, it will be even harder to get them to stop asking about 
Anti-virus, spybot, ... registry cleaner, ... software. :)

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#813

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:18:46 +0000, Bit Twister did cat :

> On 04/18/2011 07:53 PM, ray wrote:
>>
>> We have a nice public library.  Never thought of it.  I wonder if I
>> have to be related to someone?
> 
> Might check with some of the wifi hot spots around town to see what
> their requirements are.
> 
> 
>> p.s. the users will get suspicious when they don't crash.
> 
> Heheheh, it will be even harder to get them to stop asking about
> Anti-virus, spybot, ... registry cleaner, ... software. :)

Here's a "Linux registry cleaner", you may adapt it to your likings ;-)

$ time ( over=13 ; while [ $over -gt 12 ] ; do printf $over; over=$RANDOM ; sleep .001; done ; printf "\n\nRegistry repaired\n\n")

Mind you that it is probably safer than the other desktop version...

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#812

Todd wrote:

> On 04/18/2011 07:53 PM, ray wrote:
>> One that you've probably not thought of: public libraries. Most are now
>> providing public access computers for their patrons. Things run much more
>> smoothly and economically if those computers run Linux. Most patrons will
>> not even note the difference - many will think it's just a 'new windows'.
> 
> We have a nice public library.  Never thought of it.  I wonder if
> I have to be related to someone?
> 
> Thank you!
> 
> -T
> 
> p.s. the users will get suspicious when they don't crash.
> 
> p.s.s home users are pretty much out: no iTunes and no substitute
> will be accepted.

My kids will be getting linux on some old laptops. They'll likely to get 
Android phones in a few years when they're old enough, but should the need 
arise, they will have a copy of Win2K in KVM (VM) for stuff like that.

Schoolwork will be done in LibreOffice and if anything from the school fails 
to open, I personally will send it back to the school with a stroppy note. 
But I've not seen any "ordinary"[1] MS docs fail to open in OO for a long 
time so I don't think it will be an issue.

[1] Big spreadsheets full of macros excepted.

Even I occasionally need MS Windows, but KVM suffices - and it is surprising 
how much stuff runs under WINE these days.

Cheers,

Tim

-- 
Tim Watts

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#825

On 04/18/2011 11:09 PM, Tim Watts wrote:
> Todd wrote:
>
>> On 04/18/2011 07:53 PM, ray wrote:
>>> One that you've probably not thought of: public libraries. Most are now
>>> providing public access computers for their patrons. Things run much more
>>> smoothly and economically if those computers run Linux. Most patrons will
>>> not even note the difference - many will think it's just a 'new windows'.
>>
>> We have a nice public library.  Never thought of it.  I wonder if
>> I have to be related to someone?
>>
>> Thank you!
>>
>> -T
>>
>> p.s. the users will get suspicious when they don't crash.
>>
>> p.s.s home users are pretty much out: no iTunes and no substitute
>> will be accepted.
>
> My kids will be getting linux on some old laptops. They'll likely to get
> Android phones in a few years when they're old enough, but should the need
> arise, they will have a copy of Win2K in KVM (VM) for stuff like that.
>
> Schoolwork will be done in LibreOffice and if anything from the school fails
> to open, I personally will send it back to the school with a stroppy note.
> But I've not seen any "ordinary"[1] MS docs fail to open in OO for a long
> time so I don't think it will be an issue.

You would think.  There is a perception problem.

>
> [1] Big spreadsheets full of macros excepted.
>
> Even I occasionally need MS Windows, but KVM suffices - and it is surprising
> how much stuff runs under WINE these days.

I use Wine a lot.  It is a nightmare.  At best it is Alpha code.
I can not give that kind of unreliability to a customer.  I have
some three year old bugs that that have yet to address.  Wine's
emphasis is on gaming. not business apps.


> Cheers,
>
> Tim
>

Still searching for what kind of business that use Linux.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#832

On 2011-04-19, Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:

> You would think.  There is a perception problem.

There's a stupidity problem.  You take a Word document, open it in
Wordpad, and save it as a .txt file.  No problem.

nb

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#803

At 19 Apr 2011 02:53:35 GMT ray <ray@zianet.com> wrote:

> 
> On Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:16:32 -0700, Todd wrote:
> 
> > Hi All,
> > 
> > I am a consultant who only works in two counties. I am currently working
> > my way out of two jobs, which is normal.  Also means I have to do some
> > cold calling, also normal.  And to facilitate that, I have made up a
> > database of local businesses. I work both Linux and Windows.  (The
> > occasional Apple too, but you did not hear me say that.)
> > 
> > I really do not feel like the *aggravation* of having to maintain any
> > more Windows installations: low quality software that almost works and
> > has to be fussed with 20 times more than a Linux installation.  And
> > customer who are never very happy with the way things mostly work.
> > 
> > This may seems like a weird question, when I am sifting through my lists
> > of businesses, does anyone have an tips as to what kinds of businesses
> > use Linux?  I would like to directly target those kinds of businesses
> > before settling from more Windows work.
> > 
> > Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
> > 
> > Many thanks,
> > -T
> 
> One that you've probably not thought of: public libraries. Most are now 
> providing public access computers for their patrons. Things run much more 
> smoothly and economically if those computers run Linux. Most patrons will 
> not even note the difference - many will think it's just a 'new windows'.

Yep.  That how things are at the Wendell Free Library.  Most of the time
the patrons are just firing up FireFox and surfing the web and the fact
that the machines are running Linux is simply a non-issue -- Firefox is
firefox, Google is Google, Yahoo is yahoo, etc.

>                                                                                                                              

-- 
Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933 / heller@deepsoft.com
Deepwoods Software        -- http://www.deepsoft.com/
()  ascii ribbon campaign -- against html e-mail
/\  www.asciiribbon.org   -- against proprietary attachments


                                                         

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#802

At Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:16:32 -0700 Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:

> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I am a consultant who only works in two counties.
> I am currently working my way out of two jobs,
> which is normal.  Also means I have to do some
> cold calling, also normal.  And to facilitate
> that, I have made up a database of local businesses.
> I work both Linux and Windows.  (The occasional Apple
> too, but you did not hear me say that.)
> 
> I really do not feel like the *aggravation* of having
> to maintain any more Windows installations: low quality
> software that almost works and has to be fussed with
> 20 times more than a Linux installation.  And customer
> who are never very happy with the way things mostly work.
> 
> This may seems like a weird question, when I am sifting
> through my lists of businesses, does anyone have an tips
> as to what kinds of businesses use Linux?  I would
> like to directly target those kinds of businesses
> before settling from more Windows work.
> 
> Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Wellll.....

Linux in a server role is pretty much everywhere -- somewhere in the
ballpark of 60+% of web servers use Apache and most of them on some
flavor of POSIX O/S: read 'UNIX' or 'UNIX Like', including Linux, *BSD,
Solaris, HPUX, AIX, ... (Propably ranked in much that order).  OTOH,
unless you are looking to hook up with a data center, this is probably
not of much relavance to a lone consultant.

The Wendell Free Library has a Linux server and a bunch of Linux-based
thin clients (NFS mounted root, not LTSP flavored).  Linux is commonly
used as file, mail, DNS, DHCP, and Intranet servers in businesses,
schools, etc., even when the *desktops* are mostly / exclusively
Windows PCs or Macs. There might be a place here to connect with a small
business, school, library, etc. that is wanting an office server and
might find the idea of a Linux server as a much cheaper alternitive to
a Windows Server, esp. if they can get a good deal on an ongoing
support contract.

Linux desktops are common in university computer science, math, 
engineering, and many 'hard' science schools/depts.  But this is
probably not useful for a lone consultant, since you are not going to
compete against grad students or work study undergrads, etc.  Unless you
are looking to get hired as staff.

> 
> Many thanks,
> -T
>               

-- 
Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933 / heller@deepsoft.com
Deepwoods Software        -- http://www.deepsoft.com/
()  ascii ribbon campaign -- against html e-mail
/\  www.asciiribbon.org   -- against proprietary attachments


                                                                                     

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#804

On 04/18/2011 08:48 PM, Robert Heller wrote:
> Linux in a server role is pretty much everywhere

I have been making my own Linux business with
servers for years.  Its is just life that I am
working myself out of my two big Linux customers.
Business cycles and all that.

Be nice if I could find someone already using Linux.

Thank you for your help!

-T

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#811

Todd wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> I am a consultant who only works in two counties.
> I am currently working my way out of two jobs,
> which is normal.  Also means I have to do some
> cold calling, also normal.  And to facilitate
> that, I have made up a database of local businesses.
> I work both Linux and Windows.  (The occasional Apple
> too, but you did not hear me say that.)
> 
> I really do not feel like the *aggravation* of having
> to maintain any more Windows installations: low quality
> software that almost works and has to be fussed with
> 20 times more than a Linux installation.  And customer
> who are never very happy with the way things mostly work.
> 
> This may seems like a weird question, when I am sifting
> through my lists of businesses, does anyone have an tips
> as to what kinds of businesses use Linux?  I would
> like to directly target those kinds of businesses
> before settling from more Windows work.
> 

Hi Todd,

I can tell who does run linux:

Morgan Stanley (Investment Bank) have something like 55,000 linux servers 
worldwide. So that's the credibility base established. Redhat I think.

We run linux (Dept of Digital Humanities, Kings College, London) for 50 odd 
webservers. We use Debian.

Dept of Computing, Imperial College run 90% of their infrastructure on Linux 
(Ubuntu) *and* all the lab PCs and a fair proprotion of staff PCs (Windows 
is a dual boot option).

Google of course are heavily linux based.

So it is a perfectly credible platform for servers and desktops.

I'll add other points to other posts...

Tim


-- 
Tim Watts

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#816

Linux is a tough sell on the desktop due to no "Microsoft"
available on it, however, it's an easy one for the server end.
I've installed many Linux file and mail servers for networks
running Windows (and Macs) on the desktop.

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.)

  "Climate policy has almost nothing to do anymore with environmental
   protection... the next world climate summit in Cancun is actually
   an economy summit during which the distribution of the world's
   resources will be negotiated." -- Ottmar Edenhofer, IPCC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#826

On 04/19/2011 07:37 AM, Roger Blake wrote:
> Linux is a tough sell on the desktop due to no "Microsoft"
> available on it, however, it's an easy one for the server end.
> I've installed many Linux file and mail servers for networks
> running Windows (and Macs) on the desktop.
>

I would love Linux server work.  Again, who to cold call?

-T

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#834

On 2011-04-19, Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:
> I would love Linux server work.  Again, who to cold call?

Any small business with multiple computers is a potential customer.
When you show them what can be accomplished with free software on
the server end, even groupware like Citadel or the basic, free version
of Zimbra, they tend to be pretty amazed. The toughest question to answer
is "How can it be free?" I've run into a lot of small businesses
that do not have a server, automated backups, etc., simply because
they believe they have to buy an expensive copy of Windows server.

A nice Linux server for a small office an be built at a very
attractive price.

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.)

  "Climate policy has almost nothing to do anymore with environmental
   protection... the next world climate summit in Cancun is actually
   an economy summit during which the distribution of the world's
   resources will be negotiated." -- Ottmar Edenhofer, IPCC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#838

At Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:16:46 -0700 Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:

> 
> On 04/19/2011 07:37 AM, Roger Blake wrote:
> > Linux is a tough sell on the desktop due to no "Microsoft"
> > available on it, however, it's an easy one for the server end.
> > I've installed many Linux file and mail servers for networks
> > running Windows (and Macs) on the desktop.
> >
> 
> I would love Linux server work.  Again, who to cold call?

Any business that could conceivibly have a 'back office'.  Also Schools,
Libraries, etc.

While many small business just have a 'bunch' (3-10 say) desktops in an
office just have an 'ad hoc' network of desktops, many of these same
business would benifit from a small file server:

1) automated backups -- the desktop machines could be backed up to the
server's disk(s) daily.

2) file sharing, in a non "ad hoc" way (less random fumbling around
finding the needed files).

3) Intranet services, including intra-office e-mail and messaging.

The server could also have things like a small MySQL database
containing important business information (client lists, budgeting
data, HR & payrol data, etc.).

Come up with a good sales pitch covering these ideas and go through your
local Yellow Pages for small insurance, legal, contractor, etc.
businesses.  A retail business with multiple POS terminals might also be
a candidate for this as well. Any retail store with a "complex"
inventory (like a book store - many *different* things, but only a few
of each unique thing -- can you say MySQL database...).

> 
> -T
>                    

-- 
Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933 / heller@deepsoft.com
Deepwoods Software        -- http://www.deepsoft.com/
()  ascii ribbon campaign -- against html e-mail
/\  www.asciiribbon.org   -- against proprietary attachments


                                     

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#851

On 04/19/2011 01:55 PM, Robert Heller wrote:
> go through your
> local Yellow Pages for small insurance, legal, contractor, etc.
> businesses.  A retail business with multiple POS terminals might also be
> a candidate for this as well. Any retail store with a "complex"
> inventory (like a book store - many*different*  things, but only a few
> of each unique thing -- can you say MySQL database...).

Thank you!

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#819

Todd <Todd@invalid.com> wrote:
> This may seems like a weird question, when I am sifting
> through my lists of businesses, does anyone have an tips
> as to what kinds of businesses use Linux?  I would
> like to directly target those kinds of businesses
> before settling from more Windows work.

Good luck. Bottom line of course is, well, your bottom line.
You need to decide if your preferences are more important
than income and your customer's preferences/needs.

Very few end users choose an OS ( or care anything about it )
but rather choose tools and those tend to dictate the OS.

For example graphic arts folks tend to end up on Apple
since that's hwere the "best" software lives. Most business
software runs on Windows so that's where businesses end up.
Servers tend to be Unix in the old days, Linux in the
modern world.

That's just the way it is.

So in answer to your query- look for businesses with server
farms and not a lot of desktops. ISP's come to mind, certainly
"dot com" folks.

Stan

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#820

On 2011-04-19, Stan Bischof <stan@worldbadminton.com> wrote:

> Good luck. Bottom line of course is, well, your bottom line.
> You need to decide if your preferences are more important
> than income and your customer's preferences/needs.
>
> Very few end users choose an OS ( or care anything about it )
> but rather choose tools and those tend to dictate the OS.

Nonsense.  Braindead managers pick OSs and software with no more clue
than a cow in a pasture.  

> For example graphic arts folks tend to end up on Apple
> since that's hwere the "best" software lives. 

A long dead myth.  

> Most business software runs on Windows so that's where businesses
> end up.

Again, cuz mgrs are morons.  

> Servers tend to be Unix in the old days, Linux in the
> modern world.

That's cuz they're both similar and they both work better. 

> That's just the way it is.

> So in answer to your query- look for businesses with server
> farms and not a lot of desktops. ISP's come to mind, certainly
> "dot com" folks.

I worked for a major Fortune 500 high-tech company for enough years to
see the transitions through both good and bad.  When I came in, the
company was unix and mainframe based.  Later, LANs became the norm,
but still on the unix company-wide database.  Later, an all M$
experiment further fractured one of the company's divisions, with
millions wasted on custom Windows based software and the trashing of
several all Apple depts.  One manager bought an entire software
solution based on an old college roomate's involvement.  Employees
actually quit over the poor choice.  The company was in IT turmoil
when I left.  In the 10 yrs I was there, M$ never improved one single
situation and created dozens of problems.  The only advantage I ever
saw was the adoption of AutoCad over more costly unix based CAD
alternatives, but that later became a problem in itself.

Most upper mgt has secretaries, so are not bothered by actual
in-the-trenches solutions.  They make choices based on personal
preference and whimsey.  Even upper IT mgt are cursed by their
employees.  M$ never came to dominate business because it was a
better choice.


nb  

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#822

notbob wrote:
> On 2011-04-19, Stan Bischof <stan@worldbadminton.com> wrote:
> 
>> Good luck. Bottom line of course is, well, your bottom line.
>> You need to decide if your preferences are more important
>> than income and your customer's preferences/needs.
>>
>> Very few end users choose an OS ( or care anything about it )
>> but rather choose tools and those tend to dictate the OS.
> 
> Nonsense.  Braindead managers pick OSs and software with no more clue
> than a cow in a pasture.  
> 
>> For example graphic arts folks tend to end up on Apple
>> since that's hwere the "best" software lives. 
> 
> A long dead myth.  
> 

sorry. Its still the de facto standard in most serious printing houses 
and graphics studios.


>> Most business software runs on Windows so that's where businesses
>> end up.
> 
> Again, cuz mgrs are morons.  
> 

More because their user base are idiots, and they are driven by the 
requirement or someone else to manage the whole thing for cash, rather 
then do the hard work themselves..


>> Servers tend to be Unix in the old days, Linux in the
>> modern world.
> 
> That's cuz they're both similar and they both work better. 
> 
>> That's just the way it is.
> 
>> So in answer to your query- look for businesses with server
>> farms and not a lot of desktops. ISP's come to mind, certainly
>> "dot com" folks.
> 
> I worked for a major Fortune 500 high-tech company for enough years to
> see the transitions through both good and bad.  When I came in, the
> company was unix and mainframe based.  Later, LANs became the norm,
> but still on the unix company-wide database.  Later, an all M$
> experiment further fractured one of the company's divisions, with
> millions wasted on custom Windows based software and the trashing of
> several all Apple depts.  One manager bought an entire software
> solution based on an old college roomate's involvement.  Employees
> actually quit over the poor choice.  The company was in IT turmoil
> when I left.  In the 10 yrs I was there, M$ never improved one single
> situation and created dozens of problems.  The only advantage I ever
> saw was the adoption of AutoCad over more costly unix based CAD
> alternatives, but that later became a problem in itself.
> 

I could recount many similar stories.

> Most upper mgt has secretaries, so are not bothered by actual
> in-the-trenches solutions.  They make choices based on personal
> preference and whimsey.  Even upper IT mgt are cursed by their
> employees.  M$ never came to dominate business because it was a
> better choice.
> 
Better for whom? it made jobs for IT boys, jobs for salesmen in suits, 
jobs for hardware manufacturers. It was a great jib creation scheme.

Never worked properly mind you. But that hardly seemed to matter did it?


> 
> nb  
> 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#830

On 2011-04-19, The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
> notbob wrote:
>> On 2011-04-19, Stan Bischof <stan@worldbadminton.com> wrote:

>>> For example graphic arts folks tend to end up on Apple
>>> since that's hwere the "best" software lives. 
>> 
>> A long dead myth.  
>> 
>
> sorry. Its still the de facto standard in most serious printing houses 
> and graphics studios.

So?  Windows is still the defacto std in most business environments
and we all know it's crap.  What I argued is that's "hwere the "best"
software lives."  Nonsense.  Apple is now Intel based w/ a unix OS.
What can't you get for a Windows machine that's still only available
on a Mac?  My close friend IS a professional graphics artist and he
changed to Windows yrs ago.  Jes because printing houses are too
stupid to change means nada.  Define graphics studios.  Last I heard,
the serious CG effects software for movies is Linux based.  Not
necessarilly OSS, but *nix based nonetheless.   

> More because their user base are idiots, and they are driven by the 
> requirement or someone else to manage the whole thing for cash, rather 
> then do the hard work themselves..

Since when?  Their "user base" is the end users and I've never heard of
the end user dictating requirements.  I came from a machinist
background and was evolved into professional computer user.  Not once
did I ever get to choose the software.  Those "idiots" of which you
speak are told what to learn, know, and use, not the other way around.  

> Better for whom? it made jobs for IT boys, jobs for salesmen in suits, 
> jobs for hardware manufacturers. It was a great jib creation scheme.

Making jobs and running a business well are far from synonymous.  If
business were run efficiently for maximum profit, most of middle mgt
wouldn't even exist. 

nb 

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

Page 2 of 4 — ← Prev page 1 [2] 3 4  Next page →

Back to top | Article view | comp.os.linux.misc

csiph-web