A computer in any form – desktop or laptop or netbook, needs an operating system to function. That is what makes all the difference. So many kinds of operating systems are available. Some are popular, some are gaining popularity and some are losing it. The following is an actual event.
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Scene 1 (A Computer Shop)
A man walks inside the shop. The sales executive smiles heartily.
Executive: Good Morning Sir. Please be seated.
Customer sits in a chair opposite him.
Customer: Thank you. Hmmm, I came to enquire about laptops.
Executive: Well, how much is your budget sir?
Customer: Around Rs.30,000
Executive searches his desk and produces a printed estimate.
Executive: Sir, this is the price list of laptops
Customer reads the list. He ponders for a minute. He then pushes the list to the executive and points to a particular brand.
Customer: How about this one?
Executive: Nice one sir. Total costs around Rs.29,000. Has got nice features. But, they don't provide O.S with it. But, we will install 'the popular O.S' for you.
Customer: No, no. I don't need it. Do you have linux? Ubuntu?
Executive: (slightly confused) I think we have it. What's the latest version?
Customer: 9.10
Executive: No, we don't have that. But we have 9.0
Customer: 9.04?
Executive: Yes, that one.
Customer: O.k, that's enough. I need it this weekend.
Executive: No problem sir.
Customer: O.k. Then I will buy it this weekend
Executive: Thank you
Scene 2 (Same Computer Shop, 3 days later)
Customer walks in. A warm smile wraps the lips of the executive. He politely asks the customer to sit, and goes inside. Customer sits an looks around. A moment later, the executive comes back with a new laptop. Customer examines it and nods.
Executive: We will install O.S in it. And you want Linux. Yes?
Customer: Yes, Linux.... only.
The Executive's expression changes from astonishment to horror. He looks at the customer as if asking 'how are you going to use this laptop?'. A computer operator comes and takes the laptop inside. Customer follows. He turns it on and slides a c.d inside and begins the installation process.
Operator: Not many people ask for linux here. Some have it installed along with 'the popular O.S', to avoid virus problems.
Customer: I use it at home. I loved it. No problem till now. I could get every need of mine from it's software library.
Operator: I've used Ubuntu while I was at Bangalore. It's a nice one. Easy to use too
Customer: No copyright problems and all.
Operator: No one has asked for linux here in a new system. Every one wants the 7th instalment of 'the popular O.S'.
Customer: May be because, most people don't know other types of O.S exist. They are far more advantageous than what they use now.
Operator: Popular trend. For most people, 'the popular O.S' is synonymous to computers.
Customer: It has got it's own drawbacks.
Operator: Sure. Many school kids take new systems to play games and surf and load the system with viruses a week after they buy a new system. Every day, we've got atleast 2 systems to format. They don't understand.
Customer: Why don't you try to popularise Linux? Ask people to give it a try.
Operator: Most are still under the impression that Linux is still a command line O.S. They haven't cared to enquire about it.
Customer: Even computer engg. students are reluctant to embrace Linux. Let alone common people.
Operator: I haven't used Ubuntu much. Will it support integrated camera and bluetooth in this lap?
Customer: Sure, there are some softwares available. It will work. Just have to download it. Every application is available.
Operator: Oh! that's great.
As the conversation went on, the installation progressed. In about 25 minutes the laptop had Ubuntu installed in it. Customer examines the system. Feeling satisfied, he pays for it and leaves the shop.
Scene 3 (Customer's home, same day)
Customer installs the necessary libraries to compile C/C++ programs, a camera software, plugins to open music and video files. These new programs, installed with ease, plus the pre-installed photo editor, browser, office package, instant messenger, bluetooth, disc burning softwares makes the customer smile heartily.
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A computer installed with only open source softwares is like an unpoisoned coffee. You can trust it fully. You can use it. No side effects. But the proprietary softwares are taking advantage of it's customers by giving them drugged coffee. Once you drink it, you may become an addict and there will be no return.
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