[clue-talk] saving money with Linux

[Louis Miller]

*Hello,

        I don't think Linux users think about all the ways that using 
Linux saves them money over using a legacy OS, or in addition to using a 
legacy OS. That is one of the reasons I got started with it. For 
convincing friends to give it a try, I think it is good to have some 
ideas about that.

        I realize that for most of you, you may not think about this too 
much. Linux has become something far removed from just a financial 
decision. But, for users of other OSs, this might be compelling.

        The most obvious ways that come to mind are continuing to use a 
printer that the manufacturer doesn't support into the next OS. I had 
someone give me an HP printer, when they upgraded enthusiastically to 
Vista from XP. Ubuntu didn't have any trouble finding a driver for me. 
Using OpenOffice, instead of Microsoft Office.

        Maybe, programming suites. It would depend on what the person 
uses their computer for. Continuing to use older computers after they 
should be obsolete. Keeping legal, while installing multiple copies of 
Linux on several hard drives plugged into the same computer or 
installing it on several computers.

        Now, that the holidays are coming up, it would be great to 
convince people that giving Linux to them would be giving them a gift, 
instead of a curse. I think that is how most computer users view Linux.

        For me, saving just $100 would be worth it to buy a used hard 
drive and install it and learn some new programs. For many people with 
more money than me, they might need an incentive of $500 or $1,000 in 
savings in order to give it a try.

Louis
*