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Thread: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

  1. #1
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    Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Just a quick note of success.

    This weekend a local Gulf Coast computer store, Nine Tech Computers (formally T-9 Computers, 2758 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-872-1990), agreed to start selling and supporting Ubuntu machines. His goal is to sell Ubuntu machines that are a lot cheaper (due to software, not hardware) to convince a customer to buy that would normally be turned off by a higher price with paid-for software. The business model he is running with is computer support and not profits from PC sales. He let me assemble a new Ubuntu PC using his parts to be demonstrated next to a Vista PC and he wants help finding professional fliers, posters, and handouts. I also agreed to guide him through support calls until he feels comfortable with Ubuntu. I think the demo PC next to a Windows PC is a good approach as it will allow a customer to decide for themselves if they like it. (That one is for you Aysiu)

    I finished the demo PC and it is the standard Ubuntu 8.04 install, (theme and desktop left default), with Ubuntu extras installed, Compiz-Fusion setting increased with a lot of neat effects, and all hardware went through a 24 hour burn-in test. I also installed neat apps that demonstrates Ubuntu's key strengths like...
    1. Legal copy of Return to Castle Wolfenstien under WINE with high settings.
    2. Google Earth for Linux
    3. Banshee music player and iPod controls
    4. Evolution Email set up with working email account.
    5. Google Desktop and Firefox Youtube sidebar expansion pack.

    I also included on the desktop links to...
    1. These Ubuntu Forums
    2. The main Ubuntu website
    3. The Ubuntu Guide
    4. An argument for Linux over Windows

    Also I downloaded and placed on the desktop a few of the better Linux advertising videos on youtube.
    1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4deyX_GFz08
    2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwL0G...eature=related
    3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHjT5-XM9o
    4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTHCYjFWqHA

    Enjoy,
    -AR

    (NOTE: This is a duplicated from a post on this thread, but I am afraid it was lost in the weeds.)
    Actors make their living playing pretend, so why do we listen to them about how we should live in the real world?

  2. #2
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Why couldn't you install Savage 1 or an ETQW demo, no wine?

    That's pretty cool though. One thing I'd recommend is make the wallpaper display some of the common compiz shortcuts.

  3. #3
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Quote Originally Posted by Vadi View Post
    Why couldn't you install Savage 1 or an ETQW demo, no wine?
    I wanted to demonstrate WINE as an option for games that do not have a Linux port. I really wanted to install WoW or EVE but I am not willing to donate $30 a month for the accounts.

    Quote Originally Posted by Vadi
    That's pretty cool though. One thing I'd recommend is make the wallpaper display some of the common compiz shortcuts.
    Good idea. I will modify the current default wallpaper with shortcut keys so they can play with the effects.

    -AR
    Last edited by ARhere; June 9th, 2008 at 03:26 PM. Reason: grammer
    Actors make their living playing pretend, so why do we listen to them about how we should live in the real world?

  4. #4
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Sounds cool, but it really sounds like he is asking you putting forth a lot of your time and resources to help this guy make money on open source offerings. I hope you are getting your cut.

    Source is open, but that doesn't mean your time has to be. Either way you look at it, he is making money off of your time, 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

    There are enough screenshots out there of wow and other games and apps running on ubuntu that you can create some pretty good fliers. Head over to a kinko's and do some plots or standard prints .. and make sure they are on the stores dime, not yours Sorry if I keep circling back to that, I just don't like for-profit establishments taking advantage of people, even if they are trying to do something as cool as host open source focused products.
    "Its easy to come up with new ideas, the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out of date." -Roger von Oech

  5. #5
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    I wouldn't brand it as taking advantage yet - atm, we should be thankful he decided to offer ubuntu. Then, if it gets really good, you work something out.

  6. #6
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Quote Originally Posted by ARhere View Post

    I finished the demo PC and it is the standard Ubuntu 8.04 install, (theme and desktop left default)
    default looks is not very attractive. You need eye candy if you want to sell.

    remove bottom panel and install AWN + applets
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWqqB1F0AEU

    you may leave the current wallpaper if you like

    if you want an idea of cool desktops look at the june 2008 thread:
    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=814489

    also you should promote that ubuntu does not get infected by Viruses or spyware.

    Make a shortcut in the desktop for ADD/REMOVE. Rename it Software Catalog. All available applications by default.

    the ingredients for a successful sale are:

    cheaper than the competition
    better looking than the competition
    faster than the competition
    more secure than the competition
    easier to use, best startup setup than the competition


    software:

    -google picassa.
    -VLC
    -Ubuntu tweak. http://getdeb.net/
    -Deskbar applet/gnome-do.

    for chat software install emesene and galaxium messenger.
    http://code.google.com/p/galaxium/wiki/Screenshots


    Pidgin is really bad for a first experience
    http://contentconsumer.com/2008/04/2...my-girlfriend/

    some problems first timers will encounter:
    http://ubunite.com/content/view/66/

    take some pics and post it back here. The competition is rough, you should be rougher.

    Important note 1:
    Ubuntu is not for everyone (specially hardcore gamers and people who need specific windows software for *work*). It's good for everything else and some lighter gaming. Try to sell some linux powered netbooks also.


    Important note 2:
    Convince the store to dual-boot ubuntu on most windows computers. It's a great tool for support tasks and should make things easier. Just don't make the ubuntu partition very big (5 - 8gb would be enough). Dual-boot systems are a good selling point IMO. Ubuntu is always a good rescue tool and an alternative to spyware free web browsing, etc.

    Note 3: You could remaster you modified ubuntu install or get the linuxmint 5 cd to cut down on re-install time/troubleshoot/support.
    Last edited by madjr; June 9th, 2008 at 09:25 PM.
    When close to achieving you quit! If you don't try you failed. Real Winners are not afraid of losing.
    ubuntu newsletter ; Report Papercuts (small annoyances/bugs) ; beginners guide and video http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z0tNpt5RZYI

  7. #7
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    "for chat software install emesene and galaxium messenger. " I disagree, I found emesene to crash often (like when I'm not connected to the net, or just made an account). Pidgin is a much better first choice

  8. #8
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Great job! You have some really good ideas and I think that ubuntu would look really good the way you set it up. I think you should not modify the software that you have installed (what I mean is do not install emesene, awn etc, the apps you have are great) I dont think you should install awn since I think you should keep the ubuntu look as default, it looks awesome . The links you provided are great and I really think some of them should be in the firefox bookmark bar by default. Where do you live?(I aks this because of the codecs, you do know they are not legal in the US right?) If you live outside the US, I suggest you suggest to the store to keep copies of ubuntu and linux mint (pretty and official looking ones of course (like the ones from os-disc.com or from miggols99's store) and have an explaination of the differences. How about having mint, ubuntu and Xp computers nex to each other with a stack of mint and ubuntu disc next to them (kinda like AOL CDs lol). I dont think selling computers with a dual-boot is a good idea (unless the customer asks for it of course) since it somewhat cripples the linux experience I feel.
    hp dv6395 ea 2gb ram core 2 duo 2.00 Ghz archlinux User | Arch rocks! | Submit Bug Reports! https://launchpad.net/ubuntu | Include detail in your thread titles!

  9. #9
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Thanks for all the input!

    ...but it really sounds like he is asking you putting forth a lot of your time and resources to help this guy make money.
    I know. I gain nothing ATM but satisfaction. Any support questions that go his way will most likely be redirected to me, and I won't be free then. He understands that and is ok with it as long as I am a contract support basis.
    I see nothing wrong with making money from software, but am driven more by what I accomplish.

    default looks is not very attractive. You need eye candy if you want to sell.
    Correct, but I do not want to risk making the customer feeling deceived because his/her new PC looks nothing like the cool demo. Along with the demo will be LOTS of information about stuff like that, including one of the demo videos.
    New PCs will contain LOTS of paper information and electronic videos on DVD with everything useful I can think of. I will get paid for that.

    Where do you live?
    erm.... uhm.... The new PC's will be shipped with default settings for DVD and MP3 playback and a small leaflet like this. I will handle that exactly as Ubuntu does.
    Personally, If a copy of Ubuntu was sold for $15 and included DVD and MP3 playback, I would buy it. JMO

    take some pics and post it back here. The competition is rough, you should be rougher.
    Absolutely!

    BY THE WAY, I am using these awesome materials for the advertisements.
    -AR
    Actors make their living playing pretend, so why do we listen to them about how we should live in the real world?

  10. #10
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    Re: Another Comp. Store Supports Ubuntu

    Why not the Linux native version of "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" instead of running through wine.
    すべてと、そして、すべてへのリナックスは自由を鳴らせました。
    Linux to all, and to all, let freedom ring.

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