[CS-FSLUG] User Comfort & Change

[Alvin Smith]

On Monday 14 February 2005 09:05 pm, Don Parris wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:32:27 -0500, K Montgomery <keltik at nycap.rr.com> 
wrote:
> > Quoting Don Parris <gnumathetes at gmail.com>:
> > > Just how important is user comfort when it comes to making decisions
> > > about changing software?  Some people make it out to be all-important.
> > >  I do agree that there is something to be said for user comfort and
> > > proficiency with current software, but do not other factors, such as
> > > maintenance, cost, stability, security, etc. play a role in the
> > > decision-making process?
> >
> > If the person who is "comfortable" is the one making the decision, then
> > their comfort is, to them, of the utmost importance.
> >
> > I think that for the end user to switch, the advantages in the other
> > areas must
> > clearly outweigh the disadvantage of relearning.  When I bring up Linux
> > to Windows-based users, often their perception is that it's beyond their
> > intellectual reach -- simply because it's not Windows, which they already
> > know (and God knows they already have enough trouble with).  Believe it
> > or not, I've
> > seen the same reaction to Mac OS X (which almost looks like it was
> > designed for
> > a preschooler).
>
> How subjective is this criteria?  To me, the advantages _do_ clearly
> outweight the disadvantages of relearning.  I seem unable to convince
> others that they do.  I never did well in sales, either.  But I can
> write and teach.  To some extent, sales is education.  So perhaps I
> need to pose my question differently.  Where does the convincing part
> come in?
>
> At least one pastor informed me that "Penguin in the Pew" had indeed
> influenced him.  He downloaded SUSE Linux 9.1 Live, and was planning
> to install it on the computers in his church.  So I have influenced at
> least one person.  But honing my ability to help others see the
> advantages - at least in person - seems an entirely different matter.
>

I have seen many churches that could not buy computers and software at all.  I 
have also seen churches that have been donated tens of thousands of dollars 
worth of new technology including Dell computers loaded with windows xp plus 
windows based school software.  I believe that Linux and other open source 
and free software is especially for the former group.  

Look, it is difficult for a rich man to grasp the truth of the fact that he 
needs a Savior.  

And don't forget:

  14 ¶"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things 
saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation 
of God; " 
  15 "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert 
cold or hot. " 
  16 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue 
thee out of my mouth. " 
  17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need 
of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, 
and blind, and naked: " 
  18 "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be 
rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of 
thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou 
mayest see. " 
  19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and 
repent. " 
  20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and 
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 
" 

There are enough churches that are in need of technology *that have nothing to 
offer in return for it.* We already have much work to do.  Here is where the 
real work can be done, without having anyone make a switch.  


> > Remember that cost is not a factor if the user's existing software is
> > already paid for, with no additional purchases required.  I just
> > introduced Linux to an
> > organization that needed a computer for guests in their building.  The
> > hardware
> > was available, but they didn't have a valid Windows license.  Therefore,
> > Linux was a natural choice once I explained it to them a little. 
> > (Unfortunately, I can't tell you how they've taken to it because it's
> > still quite early.)
> >
> > Any learning, however minimal, is really perceived as a "cost" to the
> > person making the choice.  So is any lost software compatibility (i.e., a
> > Windows program for which there is no readily acceptable equivalent).
> >
> > Inevitably some people will refuse to switch because of laziness.  But
> > even those who are willing to learn need hard proof that Linux (or any
> > Free Software) is better than the status quo.  Personally, I think Linux
> > has a great
> > chance of getting end-user converts in the "kiosk" realm, where users
> > need only
> > a handful of applications, they don't need to customize their desktop,
> > and security is a must.
> >
> > - Kathy
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > ChristianSource FSLUG mailing list
> > Christiansource at ofb.biz
> > http://cs.uninetsolutions.com

-- 
peace,
Alvin Smith
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The Shenandoah Valley Linux Users Group
Winchester, VA  USA
http://www.ShenLUG.org
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