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Thread ID: 127550	2012-10-30 04:52:00	Techsoup.net.nz	Paul.Cov (425)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1309666	2012-10-31 21:23:00	And don't say that with the free software setup they won't need support because everything just works. I thought that was Apple's line...	Agent_24 (57)
1309667	2012-10-31 21:33:00	I agree that Yorick makes a good point HOWEVER what happens when said charity, that is now using all this free software like Linux etc, needs support? Not many people around that could actually support such a setup and if they do they probably charge a lot more than someone who works on Microsoft software. Or can they call the software manufacturer for support? Doubt it! Unless they pay some sort of maintenance contract. At least if they go the MS way there will be no issues with support. And don't say that with the free software setup they won't need support because everything just works. This a good point. One of my exes worked for several youth charities, and they tended to do support in-house and get second-hand gear because that's all their budgets would stretch to - the idea of paying for support was almost impossible, and microsoft made sense for them only because there's a lot of eacy to locate help online that they could manage themselves. Often, it came down to whomever was tech-minded, and what they were willing to work with - get a linux guy among your crew, and everyone would use linux forever more.	Zara Baxter (16260)
1309668	2012-10-31 21:57:00	Just a couple of comments I wish to make. First of all, Gayle, wow, welcome to this little corner of the world, nice of you to drop in for a visit, I think organisations such as Techsoup really do make the difference when non-profit organisations these days are finding it harder and harder to obtain funding, and to be able to purchase affordable software is a huge help to them. All I can say is well done and keep it up, and on behalf of the non-profit organisations I maintain, a huge thank you. Secondly, Yorick, while I appreciate your point of view and how much you like pushing the Linux barrow, I think your post is a load of old coblers!! Cheers Firstly it's not a barrow it is a perfectly viable alternative. Second all of what I posted is fact Third coblers is not what I would call a rebuttal so if that is your best effort I'm quaking I'm my boots .... figuratively speaking.	Yorick (8120)
1309669	2012-10-31 22:28:00	I was at a JOTI camp a couple of weeks ago (Jamboree on the internet), where 40 computers running of a server were all set up. Previously, windows has been used, and issues have been had with people download stuff they *shouldn't* ;) , installing programs, changing settings, and just generally f***ing the computers up. This time, all computers were set up with ubuntu (a pre unity version, 10.something I think). Nobody had any trouble using it (and we had a lot of people come through, some of which didn't even know what linux was). It was easy to configure so they couldn't be abused, and only 3 failed on the whole thing,a much lower rate than other year. Also, 2 out of the three were quick fixes, only took a couple of minutes to get going again. Conclusion - as long as a couple of people who know what they are doing are there, linux is a very viable alternative to windows. Maybe not for everyone, but sure worked better in this instance. My :2cents:	Nick G (16709)
1309670	2012-10-31 22:28:00	I'll gladly send you a DVD with OS, Office software, Mailclients, Graphics software, DTP, sound Editing, Sever software better than SBS, and I'll be even more generous than MS, I'll pay the postage. That is I'm actually giving you something, not just taking a little less than I would otherwise. Isn't that a little contradictory, the words in bold. ? You mention the Office and linux is free ( which it is) , yet according to your own words, you would normally charge a person for it . Whats been mentioned a few posts back totally agree, the support for linux or open office is no where as easy. Just earlier this week I had a place call me asking if I could sort out their 2 failed linux servers, both the OS's had totally turned turtle, and nothing was working. I was honest and said while I could get their network back up quickly, it would only be a temp measure as I dont have enough knowledge to repair the linux servers. The guy said to me they had been trying for several hours to find anyone who could fix them, seems anyone who does have the knowledge charges like a wounded bull. They run solely from donations and charity and cant really afford the costs, and the other guy who did setup the servers turned all sour and refused to do any more work. So while Linux may be free, support is not usually. This is where, getting back to the original start of this thread. Places like Techsoup offer cheaper software to places that qualify, the subject WAS NOT is there a alternative to MS products. When someone has a open office question Yorick has a lot of knowledge, but the fact its pushed down everyones throat when ever a MS Office product is mention does nothing but discredit that knowledge.	wainuitech (129)
1309671	2012-10-31 22:35:00	Isn't that a little contradictory, the words in bold. ? You mention the Office and linux is free ( which it is) , yet according to your own words, you would normally charge a person for it . I think the words in bold referred to Microsoft's charity discount deal.	Agent_24 (57)
1309672	2012-10-31 22:42:00	I think the words in bold referred to Microsoft's charity discount deal. Depends on how its read. If something is written and can be taken different ways then its open to question. If all this stuff is given away freely, then its not the main source of income, so there has to be charges someplace other wise how would a person get paid ?	wainuitech (129)
1309673	2012-10-31 22:54:00	Well that's how I interpreted it anyway, as for getting paid I wouldn't have a clue but Yorick will probably enlighten us	Agent_24 (57)
1309674	2012-10-31 22:57:00	When someone has a open office question Yorick has a lot of knowledge, but the fact its pushed down everyones throat when ever a MS Office product is mention does nothing but discredit that knowledge. and you always have to have a go at him.:( I must admit I think he was a little over zealous on this occasion.	mikebartnz (21)
1309675	2012-10-31 23:53:00	and you always have to have a go at him.:( I must admit I think he was a little over zealous on this occasion. I only "have a go" so to speak for 1 reason ( and its the only reason) if anyone asks about a Microsoft office product, the subject gets changed and Open office is ALWAYS pushed down our throats as better, cheaper etc. Its not often that someone asks for alternatives. In cases like that, then sure open office, no worries at all. While its been mentioned before the alternatives are being offered, that not what was asked originally. I've had a few PM's relating to Open office, and I've always replied to contact yorick. If the person does thats up to them. Take another look at it, if someone went in to get a puncture fixed on their car and the garage starts going on, you need new wipers, the oil needs changing, it could also do with a new paint job (I think you get the drift) you'd tell them what to do with their suggestions. The original topic was asking about techsoup and cheap pricing --- NOT whats a alternative to MS products.	wainuitech (129)
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