Brazil Gives Nod to Open Source
So Brazil is considering encouraging the entire country to go to Open Source products. Basically, as a 3rd world country, it makes more sense for them to use free programs in their governments and schools than to pay for Microsoft licenses. They’re also encouraging the rest of the country to do the same. Good for them!
There is one concern that is arising. Some people figure that with the support required for Linux based systems it will cost even more to run than simply buying a licensed product.
I beg to differ.
One thing that Microsoft has actually done well is to spawn generations of people afraid of technology. If it doesn’t have a globe or a window on it – people are scared to use it. It arrives – it works (or does it?) and it only crashes once every couple days.
These same people have been burned by trying to customize their systems, becauase in doing so, they end up modifying or deleting some well-hidden (and in no way essential, except for invasive marketing and bundling purposes) proprietary link that bungles their machine beyond comprehension.
Someone who requires a very specific type of machine will pay just as much for a Linux technician as a Microsoft technician to customize their product.
The difference is, every day users who are willing to learn Open Soure can learn how computers really work, how they’re supposed to work, and how to one again prove that humans are indeed greater than machines – not just luckier every once in a while.
Good points.
Another thing that the Brazilians could be doing is using the threat of switching to open source software as leverage to get better pricing from Microsoft…it’s been done by other governments before.