[NCLUG] local end-user support

[David Braley]

Chad Perrin wrote:
> I'm curious about something . . .
>
> MS Windows end-users have access to local, easily aquired support for
> their systems.  Often such support is a rip-off, where some bored
> know-nothing tech spends all day wiping hard drives and reinstalling the
> OS and drivers from whatever CDs are brought in by the customer, but
> sometimes it's worth something -- and regardless of whether the support
> is any good, it's still *visible* support, so that people feel reassured
> that they can get local support when they need it.
>
> Is there any end-user Unix/Linux support in this area?  If so -- how
> easily can it be found?  Is it listed in a telephone book somewhere that
> I haven't seen?  Is it easily located via Google?  Is it generally found
> only via word of mouth?  Where can people get end-user support services
> for non-Microsoft, non-Apple systems where people can get the "you don't
> have to do anything, we'll do it for you" support they can expect to find
> for MS Windows?
>
> I just wonder whether such a thing exists around here.  I'm also
> skeptical whether there's much of a market for it -- but if there's
> someone providing such services, I guess that person or organization
> would who place to ask whether my perception of a lack of market for it
> is accurate.
>   

A few words from the perspective of a Linux user, JUST A USER, not a
grand poo-bah hacker or mega system juggler like most of you knuckle heads.

I don't think the general public, (read, general public, not heavy iron
system dudes doing heavy lifting) will pay to support something if it
was free to begin with. I also think the main reason Linux is not widely
adopted on the desktop with the common PC user is also because it is
free. No general user will take Linux seriously or see any true value in
it until it costs them something. It is a sad fact.

Every time I switch a friend over from Windows to Linux, I get to see
the same old look on their faces when I am in the middle of my sales
pitch. It's that look of "what?" when I tell them it is free. The very
next thing they say after that is "well is it any good?" People are used
to paying for something so they can feel it has some worth. We are
"conditioned" to it.

Open source? Great idea. Let others jump in and make it better. I also
say "let the master mechanics have it for free," but if you want to make
money with Linux from the general public, you have to sell it. Complete
the circle.

Some might say "but you CAN buy Linux." I remember a time when the
average user could not by a copy of Windows. The only way a person could
get windows was to buy a computer. So when I say to "buy Linux," what I
am really saying is buy a computer with Linux pre-installed on it. That
is how the average Joe will find himself purchasing Linux.

I think your idea of a local support/repair gig for Linux is a fantastic
idea. It would be fun to work there! All you need now are people who
have paid for something so they feel it is worth getting fixed.

David