Tell us how to make money with ubuntu/debian and software

[Martiini]

Lets make a list of ways to use debian profitably
list of organisations who use debian - http://www.debian.org/users/
I googled "companies that use debian" and found some results.
Google search http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&hl=et&q=%22google+servers+run%22&btnG=Otsi&lr= tells me that google servers run linux - founders of Google are quite wealthy.
Accounting firms, architects (CAD), musicians (Cubase, Reason) etc. mainly use windows software.

[thrice upon a time]

Change the logo, call it Linspire, and sell it online :guitar:

http://www.linspire.com/

[Martiini]

It would really be useful to everyone if people made a list of how to use GPL software to earn some money. I know that you cannot earn any by setting up your own apache webserver or releasing another distro, so ..
Would it be proprietary software development or ...

[Steveway]

It would really be useful to everyone if people made a list of how to use GPL software to earn some money. I know that you cannot earn any by setting up your own apache webserver or releasing another distro, so ..
Would it be proprietary software development or ...

You could for example set up a server and sell webspace on that.
The possibilities are endless, just start thinking what is needed and what people want.

[00arthuryu]

Change the logo, call it Linspire, and sell it online :guitar:

http://www.linspire.com/

oooo, slightly bit harsh

The way sorta make money from ubuntu is i have a store at a local computer fair, I show off my linux box with compiz on (2x22' monitors otherwise people won't think its as flashy lol) and then sell loadsa CDs for £3 each. I normally get about £45 for every 6 hour show. But this is still very minor and i don't think its very possible to make it into large scale production/distribution.

Trust me though, be prepared to answer the same questions again and again and again. Questions such as:

What is an operating system?
Does it run on windows?
Is it Vista?
What is compiz fusion?
Can it run Microsoft word?

And my personal favourite
Does it run paint??

But its great fun to do, it sorta pays higher than minimum wage, you get to spread the word of Ubuntu and it does improve your business skills :D
I really do hope someone out there do these kinda things apart from me lol.
I do them in the UK in a city called Sheffield named 'Red Rat computer fairs'
(always reminds me of Red Hat) heres their website http://www.rrcf.co.uk/
I hope this inspires other people to do the same :)

[Martiini]

and then sell loadsa CDs for £3 each. I normally get about £45 for every 6 hour show. But this is still very minor and i don't think its very possible to make it into large scale production/distribution.


This is not a profitable business idea based on providing services using linux. Why would anyone pay for your self-made ubuntu cd-s (that you must also buy) when you can get cd-s or download ubuntu for free

[tdrusk]

I have made a website that shows tutorials and such. After you advertise on that and use Metacafe for the video (producer awards) you can make some cash if you are good.

[00arthuryu]

This is not a profitable business idea based on providing services using linux. Why would anyone pay for your self-made ubuntu cd-s (that you must also buy) when you can get cd-s or download ubuntu for free

Because
1 they haven't heard of linux
2 time is not free (its quite hard work)
3 Do i not need to pay for the tables/stores?

I never said it was profitable, its just a something to do in your weekends for a tiny bit of money and for fun
They are not paying for the cd, they are paying for my time really

Edit: I also sometimes buy the official Ubuntu CDs to sell, from the ubuntu website

[mivo]

What's so bad about the idea that an OS may simply not cost money?

[00arthuryu]

What's so bad about the idea that an OS may simply not cost money?

nothing, i agree that OS should be free
But like i said, i don't really want to be making a huge loss by renting a store AND using my time as well to promote ubuntu

I can however definitely see where you're coming from..