POLL: How do you support Linux?

[subnet_rx]

I was just wondering. And the next question I had, what would be the best ways to do it? The top two in my head are: Help people with their problems in Linux. And buy Linux software.

Just bought Tribes 2 over at LokiGames and I read their faq about how some vendors will not even let them port the games to Linux till they have a certain number of buyers.

Anyway, how do you support Linux? If at all.

[Malakin]

Good question. Personally I help out on a couple message boards, I do some beta testing and a tiny bit of bug fixing/patches.

I've setup computers dual boot for people who needed the functionaly of certain "Linux kill apps" that don't exist for windows.

I would like to setup an rpm site for Mandrake 8.1, since it's still missing so much especially in the multimedia area and it's tough for newbies to get something like avifile working.

It's just as important what people *aren't* doing as what they are doing. Just a few examples - I don't argue with people over the windows/linux thing, I don't force people into using windows nor do I pursuade people to use Linux who probably shouldn't use it in the first place, I don't send companies hate mail just because they don't support Linux.

[lilrabbit129]

Well personally... i've convinced atleast 4-5 people to install and try it on their computers....

that's about all...

the funny thing is, their installations always go faster and work better than mine...

weird huh?

[Derango]

I mainly just answer questions on these boards, as well as act as a linux guru for my friends (as far as they know, I'm a linux expert...heh! Coulden't be further from the truth :D )

[Okie]

since i do not have the expertice to program and\or make bug patches i spend money on retail boxed sets of Linux and try it myself to see how they run for a newbie, so companys that manufacturer distros of Linux get my support in monetary value, i do not make much money what what little i can spare goes for Redhat, Mandrake, SuSe, Slackware, etc...etc...

plus i encourage my Windoze user friends to give Linux a try and hopefully that will increase the Linux user population, and if they do try Linux i give what little advise i have and direct them to good websites that offer advice such as this side here...

[paully1]

I always buy the retail versions of slackware and I try to let people know about the OS and get a few to try it.

paul

[subnet_rx]

all very good answers. I'm trying to do better in the money support area. I think that's what Linux needs right now. When CNet did a review of the distro's, they wanted support for their product. And only Red Hat gave it to them. I'm guess at the workstation and enterprise level, forums and mailing lists don't count/

I don't send hatemail, but if a software vendor that I used to use on Windows doesn't have a Linux port, I'll surely email them about when it's coming out :)

Of course, that's not only helping Linux, but it's helping me become Windows-free.

[Siskmarek]

I'll purchase MDK from time to time... bought 6.0, 7.2, and now I'm on my way to owning 8.1. I figure they deserve a little bit of my money; they do an awesome job on an awesome OS.

Not only does it support the people making the OS, but it lets the store know there is a demand for it. And that == very important.

I also bought a Tux plushie. My bro bought one of those "Jesus" Linux Fish for his car and a little keychain with a picture of Tux on it.

I don't exactly send "hate mail", but I've been known to e-mail such companies like Sorenson, etc. to support Linux a little more.

I think that is the main thing, though... supporting linux by supporting it. Let companies know there is a demand. Like, when Intervideo's LinDVD comes out, I'm gonna be there to get it (though, from the looks of their website they'll only be offering it to manufacturers. Maybe if we get enough of us penguin lovers together we can get 'em to put it on regular store shelves, too!).

Write friendly e-mails to companies that have a product or service that does not support Linux, and invite others to do so as well. We're not here to bite any one's heads off; we're here to promote compatibility across multiple platforms, not just Linux.. because what helps us all is good. ^_^

~ Siskie

[Dark Ninja]

I don't know about you, but I swear and curse and pitch a fit until people put Linux on their computer. ;) Nah. I just try to do my best to give good ol' Linux a good ol' image and hope that Windows crashes enough times that people want to switch over.


Dark Ninja

[subnet_rx]

I read somewhere that the reason these emails never work is because Linux users are viewed as cheap, since they don't buy anything specifically for Linux, they expect it for free.

[evulish]

Submit bug reports! I don't do this much unless it's a recurring thing :) Also...tell all your friends about how kick-*** linux is...who cares if they think you're a geek :)

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speeling
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[ 01 October 2001: Message edited by: evulish ]