True Linux success story

[deate]

Several weeks back, a friend called for help with his Xp Dell desktop... it had completely stopped doing anything...seems that after the last visit from the grandkids, he couldn't even check his e-mail..I told him I could put an OS on that we could fix if they were indeed able to mess it up, but it wouldn't be Windows...he said go for it, as I'm tired of having to take this in 4 or 5 times a year to get a computer tech to fix it to the tune of $150 to $250. I pointed out , that at that rate, he would have been better off just buying a new computer every time it quit working...when he did the math, and agreed, we installed Ultimate Edition 1.9...
A few hours ago, he called and wanted me to come over , his daughter had some questions...
The conversation started something like this...Where is Microsoft Word?? I took it off..You took off Microsoft word? Yep, and Windows also..it's now Linux...Why would you do that? Because the computer was so bogged down with spyware, virus, and trojans it wouldn't work... Well, we need Microsoft Word for the kids to use... Really, well, this has Open Office...basically the same as Word, you can even save documents in the Word format if you want to...Yeah, I saw that...but it's not Microsoft Word.... You're right, it's not, so what can't you do with this Open Office Program, that you can do with Word??? Well, I don't know, I haven't tried it...Well, I tell you what, when you've tried it, and you find something you can't do, that you are used to doing with Word, you call me back, and I'll find another free application that will do the job...
Next conversation: Well, look, the kids have a CD with games that won't work on this computer now...Yeah, those are designed for use with Windows, I noticed that you and your husband both brought Apple laptops...Have you tried their discs in your laptops???? (Snicker,snicker,snicker under my breath!) WELL, that disc won't work in OUR laptops because they're Apple....Really? Well this desktop is now Linux, and it won't work in this one either...bummer dude...(snicker, snicker, snicker)
Morale of the story, Grandpas' desktop survives...I'm the bad guy,and no-one is out cash...Hey, I don't have to live with her...Grandpa is kind-of liking this Linux thing!!!!!

[ixnod]

nice one Deate!! did you inform them of all the open sourced games ( Some of which are quite educational) that Kids can acquire and enjoy till they get An aneurysm. now have them save said $250.00 per anum and put into something worthwhile.

[deate]

nice one Deate!! did you inform them of all the open sourced games ( Some of which are quite educational) that Kids can acquire and enjoy till they get An aneurysm. now have them save said $250.00 per anum and put into something worthwhile.

I was going to mention the games, but got so much attitude, I must have forgot (snicker!) the true point is that it's not their computer, and if my friend doesn't have to take it to the shop, I've served my purpose

[ixnod]

Ahh well... I guess you are not contributing to the economy now some poor up and comming IT lad will have to explain to his children that supper will be scarce and that he will have to resort to a life of crime and take a side job as a collections agent from home.

[pch.shot]

Microsoft Word is one of the biggest pieces of crap they ever created. I use it to do labels and that's it. If I want to write a letter I use Abiword or notepad(simplicity). The only good thing Microsoft ever came up with is Excel. It is actually useful and reasonably easy to learn.

[red_team316]

nice one Deate!! did you inform them of all the open sourced games ( Some of which are quite educational) that Kids can acquire and enjoy till they get An aneurysm. now have them save said $250.00 per anum and put into something worthwhile.

I was going to mention the games, but got so much attitude, I must have forgot (snicker!) the true point is that it's not their computer, and if my friend doesn't have to take it to the shop, I've served my purpose

Exactly, you made Gramps happy and that was the gaol. Mission Accomplished......at least until the Kids learn about virtualization or (GASP!) sudo or su.

[ixnod]

nice one Deate!! did you inform them of all the open sourced games ( Some of which are quite educational) that Kids can acquire and enjoy till they get An aneurysm. now have them save said $250.00 per anum and put into something worthwhile.

I was going to mention the games, but got so much attitude, I must have forgot (snicker!) the true point is that it's not their computer, and if my friend doesn't have to take it to the shop, I've served my purpose

Exactly, you made Gramps happy and that was the gaol. Mission Accomplished......at least until the Kids learn about virtualization or (GASP!) sudo or su.

Giving a kid su / sudo, is like giving a caveman a macinegun and keys to the alien mothership. ( drive by @ warp speed)

[deate]

ixnod:

Giving a kid su / sudo, is like giving a caveman a macinegun and keys to the alien mothership. ( drive by @ warp speed)

There are a few things I've learned since starting to use Linux (not nearly enough though )and that's don't give away the keys to the "kingdom" Even "Gramps" doesn't have the admin password, for his own safety!This way, I know they can't ever do anything to the system that can't be undone...I did, however, inscribe the password on the inside side cover of the tower, incase of my untimely demise! And I told them(him) never allow anyone access to this unless I was gone

[pch.shot]

You are a very wise man, Deate.