The Ubuntu Cooperation

[TCSnyder]

I am going to start off by saying I know NOTHING about business/ accounting or anything of the sort, but What if Ubuntu became a Cooperation. Then you could buy and sell Ubuntu Stocks and be able to create commercial software just for Ubuntu/Linux. Ubuntu could then sell its own brand of computers, so the average user wouldn't have to install it. It's just a thought, but what do everyone think about it

[Giant Speck]

I am open to the idea of Ubuntu being sold in stores. I think it would be easier for people to become more open to it if it was offered on the same shelf as Windows and OS X.

A lot of people would be against it, though, because they've always been used to Ubuntu being free. They also tend to think that just because it's open source that it has to be free.

Open source does not mean it has to be free.

We'll probably see how this concept works if Google ever decides to get into the desktop operating system business.

[TCSnyder]

The Operating system should remain free for download or on a disk. but they could sell computers pre-installed with Ubuntu. I know Dell already does this but there is not a huge selection. The customers would then be paying for the Hardware and the work it took to install Ubuntu, they wouldn't actually pay for the Operating system.

[MaxIBoy]

Ubuntu is already backed by Canonical, Ltd.

http://www.canonical.com/aboutus

[TCSnyder]

I know it is officially supported by Canonical, but they just sell Ubuntu t-shirts and coffee cups and other fun stuff. I am talking about a company that sells pre-installed Ubuntu computers, can pay people to make commercial linux/Ubuntu software. If you go look at the shop at https://shop.canonical.com/ all they have is Ubuntu "fun stuff".

[OutOfReach]

Dell, and System76 have pre-installed Ubuntu systems.

[aysiu]

You might be interested in this idea:
The Canonical Store (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=877373)

[TCSnyder]

I really like the thread about The Canonical Store. I know that Dell and System76 have Ubuntu pre-installed but it is nothing compared to going to any other online store for a ******* machine. On most online computer stores you can choose to upgrade or downgrade your hardware before you even buy it. I have not seen a store like that for selling Ubuntu/Linux computers. I was just thinking that becoming a Cooperation and having the ability to sell stocks to earn money could help make something happen. I liked the read on the Canonical Store. i would love to have somewhere locally to walk into and buy Linux stuff and pre-installed computers.