ISP's that don't support Linux - Bah!

We've/I've/Computerbank has had to deal with the '"oh but they said it won't work with Linux, they won't support Linux" ISP blues for well over 9 years now.

I had a document that once explained not to worry. The sky won't fall down. You will still get connected to the net. Probably via a Linux server too. The many boxes you surf to read content will probably be running Apache. Yep. Apache, that free open source web server, the one that usually runs on a Linux setup. When you are tapping your search query into Google you'll be accessing a Linux computer farm.

But ISP's won't give any help. They say it's too hard to have documents on all the Linux internet utilities. It took one of the volunteers at Computerbank a day or so to write and test an internet setup utility using C code. Couldn't ISP's just do that? They could write an easy to use, we know what to expect configuration utility and ship it on a CD. I'm sure they could write simple documentation and phone scripts to talk people through connecting over the phone.

If they can't do that then the least they can do is write a proper phone info script that doesn't confuse people. "The internet works perfect with Linux systems. We can't provide help because we don't know what software you have on your computer and we didn't bother making any."

It really is a pity, and you are scaring potential customers away. Once a Linux user has an established net connection they'll probably never call for support again. Linux distributions are rock solid and not as susceptible to viruses, malware or spyware like Windows computers are.

Tip for new Linux users, if you do call your ISP for support (and it is not in relation to connecting) don't tell them you use Linux. Tell them you are using Firefox. Some ISP's have seen the light and recommend Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. These folks might be in more of a position to support you on web site access issues.

Very occasionally you might get a Linux friendly support person on the phone and they might help you out. On this note, if anyone knows of Linux friendly ISP's in Melbourne or with Australia wide local call access numbers please let me know. You could possibly help prevent a lot of confusion. Look forward to hearing from you. :)

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation money making investments...Grrr!!!

I've known it all along but didn't really know how big the investments were.

A bit behind the eight ball here but I recently read that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has shares in pharmaceutical companies including Abbott Laboratories, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer. See this article here: LA Times - Jan 2007

Intellectual property right protection allows companies to set prices for drugs and prevent others from developing generic medicines. Strategies like these lock the consumer market to one company and one product only. The company is guaranteed a consumer base for the product as it is essential. Guaranteed captive market.

This model is very similar to the Microsoft software model. A lot of people believe Windows is an essential item. I guess that's why B&M have chosen to invest this way. Their model works, why not get involved with companies that have similar opportunities. Relate it to 'gift giving' and your really getting ahead. Making profit on gift giving, not only for your own foundation but for big multinationals too. Kind of makes you mad don't it?