What is a good way to get people to try Ubuntu?

[Shibblet]

With LiveCD, Wubi, and a very simple installation process, using Ubuntu has never been easier to try.

But how do you get someone to want to try it out?

[lisati]

Perhaps letting them use Ubuntu if they need to borrow one of your machines....

[SerenityKill3r]

Bring them over and show them Compiz in all its rotating cube glory :P

[Nathan Dial]

Windows Vista ;)

[Shibblet]

What about things that you can discuss. Security, performance, cost, etc?

[ZackM]

Ahem.... Free........

[Torgas Prim]

Give everyone in the world nVidia cards so they can fully utilize compiz effects and play games in Wine [-o<

[Amilo1718]

Windows Vista ;)

qué?

oh you're joking :D

[speedwell68]

I just wait for them to come to me. I have converted 5 people to Linux that way.:D

[The Real Dave]

Use it in front of them, show off some Compiz, and a few cool apps. Soon their curiosity will get the better of them. Then ease them into the advantages of Linux, comparisons against Windows, and hand em a Live CD :D

[Shibblet]

Use it in front of them, show off some Compiz, and a few cool apps. Soon their curiosity will get the better of them. Then ease them into the advantages of Linux, comparisons against Windows, and hand em a Live CD :D

See, these are ways of "helping" someone to try it, then when you do, you immediately become the Ubuntu "Guru", and you turn into tech support.

Secondly, it's more along the lines of letting a person help themselves. Just handing them a LiveCD would be great, but they have to want to try it.

I just wait for them to come to me. I have converted 5 people to Linux that way.:D

I'm a little afraid to ask how... :P

[drooze]

but they have to want to try it.


here's the key.

don't just go and force it on people, that's just going to have an opposite effect.

[gymophett]

Well, I don't know if you can call this converting.
But my friend downloads music, uploads photo's, browses the web and such on her laptop. She had Vista, then downgraded to XP.
I was always fixing her computer, always removing viruses and such.
Then a virus destroyed her system registry files, and I told her, I will back it all up using a LiveCD and install a new OS.
She was like, "What are you talking about?"
I'm like, nevermind.
So I installed Ubuntu, and put an XP theme on it, put all her files back, and everything. Set it up like Windows XP.
She hasn't had a problem. :)

[Tibuda]

Just let them see you using it, and they'll have some curiosity about it.

[gymophett]

Just let them see you using it, and they'll have some curiosity about it.

Maybe, maybe not.. Everyone who has used my Ubuntu computers think nothing of it. They just use it like it were whatever OS they use.

[Therion]

I keep a small stack of LiveCD's at my desk at work and one here at home. When someone comes to me complaining about their Windows PC acting up I use that as my opportunity to mention they DO have the option to use something other than Windows and give them a CD to take with them. I give a quick explanation on how to boot from it and let it go at that. I also tell them that if the CD doesn't work for them to pass it along to someone else.

I also distribute "Ubuntu Business Cards" that I make at home. It's just a simple business card that I made with some information about Ubuntu and a few links so they can download it and find these forums. These are for when I can't give out an actual CD to someone. They're easily carried in my billfold so I always have them with me.

[beast2k]

Just wait for Microsoft they eventually will do it for us.

[Shibblet]

I keep a small stack of LiveCD's at my desk at work and one here at home. When someone comes to me complaining about their Windows PC acting up I use that as my opportunity to mention they DO have the option to use something other than Windows and give them a CD to take with them. I give a quick explanation on how to boot from it and let it go at that. I also tell them that if the CD doesn't work for them to pass it along to someone else.

I also distribute "Ubuntu Business Cards" that I make at home. It's just a simple business card that I made with some information about Ubuntu and a few links so they can download it and find these forums. These are for when I can't give out an actual CD to someone. They're easily carried in my billfold so I always have them with me.

Nice. Is Ubuntu going to only become popular via "word-of-mouth"?

[Clorow]

I guess so, since Ubuntu is free and we probably couldn't afford ad space or an advertising agency.

[HermanAB]

All the common folk (not businesses) I have converted, were after viruses/trojans destroyed their systems. I then install Ubuntu or Mandriva with the Windows XP green wheat field background and they are happy. There is something about that familiar background http://aeronetworks.ca/ceilingcat.jpg that does the trick

Business users usually know what they want. So I give them what they want. It is no use argueing with the guy that holds the cheque book.

[Therion]

Nice. Is Ubuntu going to only become popular via "word-of-mouth"?
When I win the lottery I'll consider hiring a professional ad-team to do a 30-sec spot and air it during the Super Bowl.

But until then? Yeah, it's pretty much free CD's and word of mouth.

I do wonder if Canonical has ever considered any type of real, professional, marketing campaign. ???

[avahi]

Get them to read this :D

http://www.cantwindowsjustdiealready.info/

[lisati]

Windows Vista ;)

I'm using Windows Virus Vista right now; many of the people I know use XP (and there's also at least one Mac I know of in my circle of acquaintances)

[Shibblet]

Get them to read this :D

http://www.cantwindowsjustdiealready.info/

A lot of what that dude says is correct, but his delivery is off.

[billgoldberg]

With LiveCD, Wubi, and a very simple installation process, using Ubuntu has never been easier to try.

But how do you get someone to want to try it out?

You just mention Ubuntu one time if the conversation is about computers.

If they are intrested, they'll let you know.

[billgoldberg]

A lot of what that dude says is correct, but his delivery is off.

I think his delivey is spot on.

[Shibblet]

I think his delivey is spot on.

I don't disagree with what he says, but as far as keeping it professional... Most people don't warm up to negative enforcement.

He drops the f-bomb quite a bit, and thats not very positive.

[ZackM]

I don't disagree with what he says, but as far as keeping it professional... Most people don't warm up to negative enforcement.

He drops the f-bomb quite a bit, and thats not very positive.

But the "f-bomb" is a very intellectual gratifying word. He exudes intelligence with each use of profane language!

</sarcasm>

Yes... I agree. Proving points is only done well if kept in a professional manner. You can be slightly casual and keep a professional mind set.

[SuperSonic4]

Curiosity mainly. Use it in a public place and see who comes over and checks it out. Feel free to give out live CDs too.

Oddly, the command line would work too. The CLI is very powerful and you can do a lot with it, much more than the windows command line - this could get users on board

[Shibblet]

Let's just say I was going to set up a "Demo" machine for the public to use.

What would be some of the best talking points of how Ubuntu differs from Windows?

[tgalati4]

I loaned a Linux Mint machine to my neighbor for his kid's homework. Now he's got a wireless router and 3-4 machines running Minty goodness.

[dragos240]

Show them xp, then show them vista, then show them ubuntu. They'll get it.

[HappyFeet]

I give people a live cd of linux mint to try. That way they will have all codecs and such preinstalled. If they want me install it after trying it, I then proceed to install ubuntu for them. ;)

[stwschool]

Depends who it is. Most of my students will dig the eye-candy and the ability to play their favourite webgames (I let them know they'll still need windows for half-life etc but most have consoles anyway so don't care too much). For these, I just use my laptop and wait for a crowd to build.. so I've got my 8 desktops in expo, wobbly windows, etc, dragging stuff from window to window, a quick flick of the mouse and I'm back in, then scale with another flick to show lots of windows on one desktop, etc. You get the idea.

Teachers are a little trickier. Case 1: Virus-infested laptop, older chap, not techy. So I set up a fairly stock Gnome ubuntu with Wine, MS Office through crossover, sorted his printer, etc. Job done. Case 2: Netbook. Came with linux, he asked for XP as he didn't know linux so well. It ran like a dog. Tweaked an ubuntu netbook usb stick install and gave him a stick to try for a week. Didn't even put MS Word on it and he's still desperate to have it. I had to persuade him to dual-boot (rather than whole hog) just in case as he wanted the full monty.

Incidentally I never whole hog new users, I always dual-boot them. There's no point frustrating them if something doesn't work. Some things need Windows so it's not my place to stop them doing those things. My converts have stayed converted.

[dyess002]

Shibblet (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=778025)
Here are some things I am trying, I started a FaceBook Group called ( UBUNTU ( LINUX ) ) and have had some converts from that ( http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=86212481914 ) also I have started a Cause on FaceBook called ( Microsoft Juggernaut ) here is the link ( http://apps.facebook.com/causes/297441/63419693?m=6d54c0aa ) some of you guys join and help, these are people that i know but if you want to get one for your community I will be glad to join and keep the wall lit up. and try to promote your Cause. if you would join and write on the wall about your experince with Ubuntu people will look and see and may take a interest.

[dyess002]

I agree with U stwschool (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=685597) I too promote dual boot because a window user will have withdrawal and freak out and never try that out again. And if they get to where they can do everything with Ubuntu that they can do with Windows then go whole hog.

[MikeTheC]

Here's an effective way (not too sure if it's a "good" way, tho...)

http://x1d.xanga.com/e12b633056d3150814491/b34115803.jpg

"Either switch to Ubuntu or I'll pop this bag!"

[stwschool]

I agree with U stwschool (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=685597) I too promote dual boot because a window user will have withdrawal and freak out and never try that out again. And if they get to where they can do everything with Ubuntu that they can do with Windows then go whole hog.
Yep, having them freak out is counter-productive. Also it's nice if they make the choice themselves. Linux is about choice, so I like to let people have a choice about what they do on their computer. If they want linux I'll give it to them and customise it to their needs, and let them decide which tasks need which OS. Eventually they end up 90% in linux that way, and the 10% in windows isn't doing anyone any harm, and I see no point being a zealot about it. It works for me, others milage may vary.

[WatchingThePain]

Make Ubuntu into a Vampire Virus like in Blade.

Then we all can go round biting people and spreading the OS.

Once bitten, forever smitten.

Also Lol @ MikeTheC.
He wasn't prepared for that.

[Exciterusa]

Get them to read this :D

http://www.cantwindowsjustdiealready.info/

Well for his point #5 here's the one time Microsoft actually is honest. I was working on a computer and this came up:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3644065390_a35b9df4a6.jpg?v=0

[brawd]

I have to look after about 30 computers, at a local cybercafe as well as family and friends, so you can imagine it's time consuming as they are never scanned or updated unless I do it.

I got fed up with the whole rigmarole and use these tactics.

When I fix up a donated computer (which is then given away free) I put Linux on it and tell the recipient they will have to supply their own money to install windows, office, nero, etc... They usually see sense and so far I have never had a complaint.

At the cybercafe where I give free beginners lessons the bosses insist that windows is the primary OS for compatibility with offices and industry. This did not stop me from installing Ubuntu as dual boot and I use it myself to show that everything they do on windows can be done on Linux.

This hasn't led to wholesale changes but when the customers are faced with a Linux system they should be OK, and help the Linux image.

At home I am all Linux and my kids (all 20+) are using it daily. My wife is (fairly) happy with my efforts, which is about as good as it gets.

regards,

brawd