A Million-dollar-opportunity scenario : A customer buys a laptop pre-loaded with GnuLinux. When the customer nods and winks, the vendor smiles and asks : “For another Rs 100, would you also like to be a certified GnuLinux end-user? “ The customer may just shrug his shoulders and walk out of the door. On the other hand, he might just pause and wonder why. What follows here is an imagines conversation between the two.
Vendor : “Well, because what you will do with that laptop is no secret. Even Microsoft probably knows that when you get home, you’ll reformat your GnuLinux, and install unauthorized versions of MS Windows and other applications. You don’t become world’s smartest and wealthiest software company if you don’t know what most customers intend doing with pre-installed GnuLinux. [Long Pause] Yes, they know, they can catch you, and can even throw you into jail and or impose heavy fines on you. “
Customer : “Really ? I thought I was being clever by secretly installing unauthorized software at home. How could they know ? Why will they catch me ? “
Vendor : “When you use their software, it obeys them, not you. Every leading proprietary software installed on a computer, ‘calls home’ on the Internet and reports such abuse automatically. So, it comes as no surprise when legal notices are slapped on unsuspecting users in India. It happens all the time. “
Customer : “If I buy a laptop with a legal version of MS Windows, can’t I just get away with using all the other applications as unauthorized versions ?”
Vendor : “[Chuckles] On the contrary, you make it even easier to trace and pin you down. “
Customer : “Doesn’t having GnuLinux installed in one partition with unauthorized MS Windows and other apps on another, protect me somehow ?”
Vendor : “Using any unauthorized software may be illegal and even a criminal offence. “
Customer : “So how does a Rs 100 certificate help me ?”
Vendor : “ It doesn’t. You spend Rs 100 to enroll in a two-hour course on how to use your pre-installed GnuLinux as a regular computer user, for surfing the Web, e-mailing, Internet chats, for office applications, and for syncing with your digital camera and MP3-player. You receive the certificate on completion of the course.”
Customer : “Then what good is the certificate ?”
Vendor : “The value is in the training. You can actually do everything, and more, using GnuLinux, and without having to spend more money on software or by breaking the law. The certificate may help you differentiate yourself during job-interviews, since a staffer who uses GnuLinux will eventually cost the company less. Finally, you may just discover new work and business opportunities with GnuLinux.”
Customer : “Can I still go home and install unauthorized software? Does the certificate protect me ? “
Vendor : “The Certificate won’t protect you in any way.”
Customer : “Who conducts these courses, and why ?”
Vendor : “The local Linux User Groups (LUGs) with their volunteers. They have no agenda except to promote the use of Linux and FOSS in India. The courses are conducted in your neighborhood, in a school or a college, or even someone’s home or office. This is how the community shares its resources. If you’re still interested, just write your name, mobile number, and e-mail address here. I will pass this on to the LUG and they’ll get in touch with you. For your reference, this is the URL and mailing list address of the LUG”
Inspired by LFY Mag Article, Verbatim copying, publishing and distribution of this article is encouraged in any language and medium, so long as this copyright notice is preserved.
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