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Groups > Boycott Microsoft > Discussions > Topic: Group survey
Topic: Group survey

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Joel C.	Group survey June 10, 2005 10:31 AM I'd like to evaluate where we are right now as a group. Here are some questions: Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser (this should be everybody, if not, switch before submitting the survey; http://mozilla.org)? Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite (if you have Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice.org anyway)? If you have a CD burner and high-speed internet access, have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD (http://ubuntulinux.org) or something similar and share it with people? Do you think I left out any important questions? If so, post them along with your response, and I ask others to answer them in their responses. [ send green star]
Joel C.	I'm a little stupid... June 10, 2005 10:43 AM You would think I would know by now how not to screw up links like that. Here are the links again: http://mozilla.org http://openoffice.org http://ubuntulinux.org And here are my answers: Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Yes; Fedora 3 (GNU/Linux) Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser? Of course (Firefox), although I was thinking about installing IE, just for laughs (I think you can download it from microsoft.com with no problems and install it with WINE). Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite (if you have Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice.org anyway)? Yes; OpenOffice.org If you have a CD burner and high-speed internet access, have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD (http://ubuntulinux.org) or something similar and share it with people? Yes I will. Do you think I left out any important questions? No, just right, thank you. [ send green star]
Terry S.	Software June 10, 2005 11:29 AM That Ubuntu project looks interesting, both as to how they're promoting Linux (using a Debian base), and bundling other app's. I see they also offer an option to d/l a 600 meg ISO (not that nice when in a rural area yet to offer DSL or DOCSI, or pressed CD's with free shipping (including multiple copies to hand out or for LUG's). http://www.ubuntulinux.org/ubuntu/applications/document_view http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/ Unless I wanted to rely heavily on X, I have needs to handle some uS software not practical over *nix. I have the ability to run Linux on other 'puters, but my primary uses Me, and has Office 2k pro plus some other of their modules. I have IE, Firefox, Avant, Opera, and Netscape browsers installed. My primary POP3 client is Thunderbird. I also have Amaya and DreamweaverMX installed, plus some of the Adobe core products like Acrobat and Photoshop. I find XP "security" features to be a downgrade that disrupt user control of software, the same reason to support DeCSS and other efforts which BSA types have bribed politicians to make both technical felonies and protected rights, in serious conflict. I have a fair number of admin tools, where the tools potentially have both real criminal and important sysadmin applications. If it weren't for dealing with software others are locked into, where I need familiarity, I'd be more inclined to move toward OpenOffice (which I tried briefly in some older version). The US military may be the biggest training resource for it currently. IOW, the typical "trap" of being cornered by uS domination, mitigating it just slightly, and understanding how it's a trap with somewhat chicken and egg challenges. [ send green star] [ accepted]
SarahJane M.	June 10, 2005 1:30 PM Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? - Yes, several! (Using Mandriva at the mo.) Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser? - Yup, usually Firefox and Konqueror (on Linux) ; iCab on Mac OS 9 Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite? - OpenOffice on most of my PCs, although not on the iMac (it's not available for OS 9). BLAG includes Abiword, which is more compact than OO. Have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD or something similar and share it with people? - I've been sharing other live CDs, but plan to download Ubuntu this weekend to add to my collection! (Some work better than others, and folk are impressed with getting a choice.) Do you think I left out any important questions? - I'm sure there are other things you could ask, but it might be better to keep this simple. You can always do a follow-up! Thanks for starting this thread. Green star on its way [ send green star] [ accepted]
Eleanor B.	I only know Mozilla June 12, 2005 5:09 PM but I am computer non-literate, if that's a word. I'd love to learn. Is it possible to boycott Microsoft.? It's everywhere. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joel C.	Eleanor June 13, 2005 3:41 PM It's a challenge, but the people here think it's worth trying. You say you've used Mozilla. That's a great start. Have you used Openoffice.org yet? I guess I don't have to tell you what the URL is, do I? [ send green star]
SarahJane M.	June 13, 2005 10:58 PM Eleanor, it's not only possible but increasingly widespread! If you read the news threads here, you'll see that Bill Gates now views GNU/Linux as a real threat. OK, it's not as straightforward as, say, giving up meat. (Even that's more difficult than it looks, as you have to start reading the packets of everything you buy, and stop trusting most restaurants!) But you've made a start already by using Mozilla; check the Linux for Newbies group for more changes you can make & how. [ send green star] [ accepted]
John V Bessa P.	Hi Eleanor June 14, 2005 8:14 AM lil note: I tried to click on your profile but it was broken I am so glad to see your interest. I feel very confident that our Microsoft efforts will resemble an activist phone-tree, the type we used for action before we had email. It has to be obvious to everyone that Microsoft is in the position to exert extreme control on all the planet's communication and everybody's way of doing business.. they are purely predetory. I am surprised that activists have been so slow to approach the issues though. Maybe it is the array of technical challenges that are making people reluctant to switch to truly free software. I am thinking we may want to pickup the Ubuntu strategy of supplying free disks to Newbie and Boycott members. I generate music disks every holiday and mail them out instead of cards, so I sent out a lot of disks. [ send green star]
Eleanor B.	Thanks, everyone! June 14, 2005 11:37 AM Thanks for the info. I am so glad I've done something right - though I can't take the credit - it was my son who did it for me - he's computer literate and I'm a dinosaur but I'm willing to try to learn. Thanks again. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Eleanor B.	Joined Linux for Newbies June 14, 2005 11:40 AM Dear Sarah Jane and John! I've joined. I will learn! Thanks. [ send green star] [ accepted]
SarahJane M.	June 15, 2005 2:24 AM Cheers Eleanor I just sent you a green star & noticed you're in the same beautiful country as me! If you send me your address, I'd be happy to send you disks to try. The same goes for anyone else in the UK (sorry, can't afford to post them any further). Would anyone else like to post disks to members? If so, please contact me so I can include your details in a network message. And please all feel free to cross-post this. [ send green star] [ accepted]
SarahJane M.	June 15, 2005 2:28 AM Sorry, I notice we've gone somewhat off-topic. Could members please use this thread to answer the group survey? If you want to say anything else, please use another thread or start a new one. All input is warmly welcome! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Tony G.	July 01, 2005 12:49 AM Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Of course! At this moment I use Fedora code 3 and Suse Linux Professional 9.2 Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser? Yes, now a days I do use, Firefox, Opera, Netscape and Konqueror. Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite? OpenOffice Have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD or something similar and share it with people? No, not yet! Though it seems me a nice idea! Do you think I left out any important questions? There are always questions to put! But the first three questions are more than enough for an online survey. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sandra B.	Survey results: July 19, 2005 10:27 PM 1. Do you use a non-M$ OS? Yes. Xandros OCE 2.0.1, Xandros OCE 3.0, and Xandros Standard, MEPIS, Red Hat 6.2, and I have Ubuntu ordered for a new build I just finished. 2. Do you use a Non-M$ web-browser? Yes. Firefox, Opera, & Konqueror. 3. Do you use a non-M$ office suite? Yes. Open Office. 4. Have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu Live CD or something similar and share it with people? I have dial-up, so I don't download and burn ISOs, but I do go online and order copies of newbie friendly distros and give them to people who indicate dissatisfaction with M$loth. All I can say Is: Boycott, boycott, and boycott M$. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Eddie J.	KillBill November 11, 2005 2:28 PM Several linux's,freebsd having trouble downloading solaris 10 Mozilla-1.7.12 No heavy word crunching so kedit fits just fine [ send green star] [ accepted]
Tony M.	An occasional MS user May 19, 2006 5:12 PM > Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Been a Mac user since '89. I have occasioanlly used Windows, on my Mac using emulation, out of pure neccesity as a web developer to track compatibility issues. > Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser (this should be everybody, if not, switch before submitting the survey; http://mozilla.org)? I stopped using IE around 2000. Safari and FireFox are my browsers, now and then I use one or two others. > Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite (if you have Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice.org anyway)? I really have no need for an Office suite, but for a while I had Open Office in X11 on OS X, mainly out of curiousity. >If you have a CD burner and high-speed internet access, have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD (http://ubuntulinux.org) or something similar and share it with people? I installed Ubuntu onto my new iMac last month, using the new Parallels Desktop software for intel based Macs. It is interesting. I also installed XP into one of the virtualized desktops. Again, I need to at least make sure my web pages look fine for the 80% of people out there. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sandra B.	Proud of you! May 29, 2006 11:49 AM "Thanks, everyone! June 14, 2005 11:37 AM Thanks for the info. I am so glad I've done something right - though I can't take the credit - it was my son who did it for me - he's computer literate and I'm a dinosaur but I'm willing to try to learn. Thanks again. " Eleanor Gutsy lady! Dinosaur? That doesn't count. Despite myths to the contrary, intelligence increases with age; it doesn't diminish. And to keep this on topic, please add to my list of OS's used: Damn Small Linux Kanotix Knoppix Mandrake 9.2 Mandriva 2006. Hey, I'm even more of a dinosaur than Eleanor, so, if I can do this, so can everyone else. John, You mentioned "technical" difficulties being a hindrance to people adopting Linux over Micro$oft. This "technical" is really a reluctance (lazy mindedness) to learn a new system. and age has nothing to do with this laziness. Mental laziness affects all ages. And, many people still think that Unix/Linux are for geeks only, and haven't been introduced to the very user-friendly distros that anyone can install and run out of the box. That's why we need to keep on passing out copies to people, hoping they'll get over this misinformation campaign (by Micro$sloth) and their innate laziness. I read every day, comments from people who say that Linux is becoming more of an option for them because they're getting sick of Micro$oft's mess. We need to be there at their moment of dissatisfaction and hand them a copy of Linux that we know they can use. Be sure to make yourself availabel to them when they have questions, because they will. Learning a new OS is really scary for some people. Many people still think that Linux has limitations in the apps area, and that only Micro$oft OS's have the apps they need. We need to educate them about the fact that Linux has the applications too, they just come under different names. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Peter C.	using... ... September 29, 2006 7:26 AM Hope that this thread is not dead, seems quiet for a while, though a key topic...... Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Apple Mac OS Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser (this should be everybody, if not, switch before submitting the survey; http://mozilla.org)? Safari / Firefox, got Opera as well Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite (if you have Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice.org anyway)? Just started OpenOffice, though with 9 years on Macs saddled with MS Office by key supplier.... If you have a CD burner and high-speed internet access, have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD (http://ubuntulinux.org) or something similar and share it with people? Prefer Mac OS Do you think I left out any important questions? If so, post them along with your response, and I ask others to answer them in their responses. Not many Mac users here. Like Mac as not windoze, and straightforward to use. Linux does seem focused on computer users knowing theitr way round 'under the hood'? Keep the threwad going! [ send green star] [ accepted]
John V Bessa P.	September 29, 2006 1:25 PM Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. The upside of Linux is: Your weather foreasts Google Future medicine (as soon as Micro$oft is broken up) I believe that the"know your way under the hood" problem is more to do w/ the scientific community. Free software comes from the premire science institution: MIT. According to my studies about science education, science has kept itself isolated for 350 yrs. Now, that's an issue. Linux has been unable to overcome that because of fractured development. Fractured is a word used to describe education as well. My own linux uses all the basic tools, but has no funny stuff. It installs applications the way the compiling tools do, just on a network scale (with SSH). [ send green star]
Ed S.	Hi, I am here!!! October 01, 2006 8:02 PM I'll make my answer short and sweet. I do not use anything micro$oft. I run "Dapper Drake" Ubuntu linux 6.06 and also Solaris 10 from Sun Microsystems. I gave m$ the boot in 1998 and have been with linux ever since, It has came a long way since. I have used RedHat from verison 5.2 up, Caldera, Pink Tie and spent some time with Fedora till I came upon Ubuntu and became totaly addicted, I love it and it does anything that XP pro does twice as good and none of the sloppy acts that XP is good at. I love It!!!! At the time of this post the Edgy beta verison of is downloading and I will burn it tomorrow morning and install it on a removable hardrive tray and check it out, it is verison 6.10, final release Oct 26, I think. [ send green star] [ accepted]
anonymous	Keeping the thread alive! December 20, 2006 2:28 PM Hi All Do you use non-M$ OS? Yes, right now Vector Linux SOHO (based on Slackware) " " " browser? Mozilla Suite and Opera " " " office suite? Open Office 2.0, also Abiword and KATE " " " Made live cd? Yes, i have burned almost every popular GNU/Linux distro to try. My faves - Knoppix and Vector. Most can be found at: http://distrowatch.com [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
John V Bessa P.	December 22, 2006 1:55 PM Have you worked w/ UBUNTU ?? I just got a Compaq laptop, and I am having endless problems, not the least of which is that the CD is broken. On top of that, i am not going to be doing a multi-boot, Compaq/HP only distributes an image, not the Microsoft OS, and the image is the size of the disk. Since the fileystem is NTFS, I am not sure how I am going to resize it. So, you may ask, why don't you just zap M$ completely and put on Ubuntu. The answer is that I am not sure that the Wifi will work; it comes up only as a broadcom, not as a specific model. [ send green star]
anonymous	December 22, 2006 3:00 PM Hi John.. Yours is a common scenario. Unfortunately, it seems the major issue with Linux distributions is wifi. Only a few chipsets are supported. It is quite easy to resize the NTFS partition. Go to http://distrowatch.com and look for GPARTED. It is a live linux cd designed only as a partitioning utility, and it does a great job. It has a GUI and is almost twit-proof! You just reduce the NTFS partition using your mouse, and - POOF! - voila! You should make 2 partitions, one for the linux root system and a separate partition for the swap system. Allow at least 5 gb for root and RAM x 2 for the swap. It's probably a sensible thing to keep Windows on there (don't want to recklessly burn your bridges, it won't hurt and it's there if you need it (for wifi, for example). Which Linux distro you install is entirely up to you but i am using and recommend Vector, either the standard or SOHO version. There are install icons on both of these when running live cd. Hopefuly you have a machine that has a fast internet connection and can burn cd's. The installation on Vector is very nice, not like Debian which can be a nightmare. Hardware recognition is excellent. Vecot also is one of the lightest and fastest Linuxes out there, but certainly not lacking in functionality. Hope that helps. [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
Ed S.	January 25, 2008 8:44 AM Do you use a non-Microsoft OS? Yes Do you use a non-Microsoft web browser? Yes, I use, Swiftweasel(firefox), Opera. Do you use a non-Microsoft office suite? OpenOffice Have you made, or will you make, a copy of the Ubuntu LiveCD or something similar and share it with people? Yes, I have made many! Also, of other distro's Do you think I left out any important questions? There are always questions to put! But the first three questions are more than enough for an online survey. I no longer touch M$, except for the repair of computers with it on them, I have reformed a few to use linux and they are pleased now. This post was modified from its original form on 25 Jan, 8:45 [ send green star] [ accepted]
John V Bessa P.	January 27, 2008 3:48 PM Hey folks, we have an pro-Linux, anti-Microsoft (and other monopolistic capital) discussion in the Empathy group, which is now "Radical" Love - o - Linux discussion CLICK [ send green star]