Great ways to promote Linux
Word of mouth
Many people don't even know what Linux is; they think Windows is the only answer. When talking with people about computers, let them know you're a proud Linux user!
Key points that may be useful to bring up:
- How you use Linux
- Why you chose Linux
- How Linux can benefit them
- What does it take to get started
Surfing the Web
Many Web sites have platform tracking systems that will detect the operating system the visitor is using. By surfing the Web with a Linux computer, Web site owners and webmasters will see that more people are surfing their Web site with Linux, and it will give the Linux community greater respect and attention.
Webmasters
Do you have a Web site? If so, then put a penguin on the page, and let people know you support Linux!
Great penguin logos:
Email signatures
If you only send five emails per day, that is almost two thousand emails per year! What is it going to hurt to add something about Linux to your signature?
Voice your opinion
Email your favorite companies - that are able to support Linux - and let them know how you feel about them supporting Linux. If they support it, then tell them how much you appreciate it; if they don't support it, then tell them you are a Linux user and would like to see their company begin supporting it. You don't have to give a long message of where you stand; simply sending them a paragraph about how you would like them to support Linux will do just fine.
Promote pre-installed systems
A recent breakthrough in the Linux community is the sales of pre-installed Linux and Linspire systems. When consumers can purchase systems pre-installed with Linux, they are much more likely to give it a try, and it helps bring Linux to the desktop market! One nice feature I like to talk about to computer newbies, is the Click-N-Run program that Linspire has, this makes it extremely easy to install new software, and for a small fee each year, you have access to 1,700 programs!
Share your knowledge – Help others
One of the concerns that people have is the quality of support that is available for Linux. Since it is open source and free, support may not look as promising as with a big company such as Microsoft. Lend a helping hand to those who have Linux questions, and educating people on how to use Linux is another great way to promote and spur their interest.
Get involved with your local Linux User Group (LUG). Not only will you tap into a great group of helpful people, but you can also help others and learn some things for yourself.
