One of the questions I ask myself frequently about how to reach the average person about FLOSS, since most people don't really readily know much about it.
For most, FLOSS is an obscure part in the world of computers where you absolutely need to have a college degree to be able to even start using it. As I've said before, they don't seem to able equate software like Firefox or Android with FLOSS. Even then, they seem to be weary to even try any of the GNU/Linux distros available for desktops and laptops.
There is a need to find a way to reach those people, and get them to at least give FLOSS a good chance by using it for a meaningful amount of time so they can actually have a better idea of how good it actually is.
GNU/Linux distros like Linux Mint and Ubuntu could lure a lot of people away from Windows and Mac OS X, since they are at least as easy to use. They come with all what the average user know, and is ever going to need for the every day computing. Not only that, most of the software that people uses is available, or has an equivalent app to replace the one they where using.
Most importantly, there is a need to find a way to speak to the average person on equal terms. What seems to put aback most people, is the fact that the way they are engaged seems to be to technical and they feel lost before they even start. As it is, is more a matter to find a way to make them feel like they are welcomed to join the party as welcomed members, not like if they have to wait around as if they are unwanted.
In a way, they need to stop feeling like if they need technical skills from the start. Instead, they need to feel that they can learn those skills as they need them and want to get more of them as they go further into the FLOSS community they choose. At the same time, those who choose to remain just users need to know that is just as cool.
If FLOSS can get this going, we can get the break we are hoping for.
No comments:
Post a Comment