I challenge everyone who reads this and supports Linux to send three emails a week to any software or hardware manufacturer. Now the reason is simple. We need more hardware and software(especially software) that works with Linux.

Now will we get a response right away? Nope, or we will get one so vague you want to get sick. Will this make these manufacturers run out and start making Linux compatible hardware and software? Nope. But what it will do, if we all do it and keep at it, is show them that we are here and they just might be able to make some money off of us. After all it is about profit.

If you are not sure who to write to then look at your computer or your Windows based software. Get a name, find their website. Go to the contact section and start there.

Here are two letters I already wrote this week. The first was to my ISP and the second to a hardware manufacturer. I left there names out and if you need to you could use these letters as a point of reference when writing your own.


My ISP provider the actual name is replaced by <isp>

"
This has to do with <isp>. I would like to make a few comments. First <isp> is great. I have had no problems at all, the price is right and it is quick. I am very happy with <isp>.

What I would like to discuss is this. Why does <isp> leave out Linux? Now I have used Windows XP on two computers and I am no longer happy with them. They are unstable and not very safe. So I no longer use XP. Linux on the other hand is much more safe and stable. Plus it offers a lot, not only open source software, but it has a growing number of companies that are creating software that one has to buy.

I think if <isp> offered programs or even support (some kind of alliance, with Linux,) that <isp> would profit from this.

I currently use Suse 9.3 Pro. It works great and it is quicker online when used with <isp.> The Three Linux operating systems I would recommend would be Suse, Mandriva and Ubuntu.

Now personally I don't need support. Suse is easy enough to use. But I think this would be a great marketing tool <isp> could use. Not to mention the publicity involved would be a plus.

I understand you probably get many email's. And I am guessing I either won't get a response or get one so vague and general that it will be meaningless. So all I ask is that this email is forwarded to the appropriate people.
"


Letter to Hardware Manufacturer, Actual name replaced with <Hardware>

"
I am, was, a customer. But I have decided that I will no longer buy products from companies that do not officially support my choice of operating systems(Linux.) This is fine by me. There are many places out there that have much to offer in the hardware and software area.

The reason why I say this is that I bought <hardware,> to start with, and found you only have software for Microsoft Windows. Why is this? Never mind. I am sure you have your reasons and THINK you can only make money from that operating system.

I am not looking for a response, just voicing my thoughts. Besides I really don't want to hear something like, "well we thought about it," or "we might in the future," or "we will pass this on to our superiors(and upon receiving it they send it to the recycle bin.) It would really be nice if someone did listen and seriously consider this letter and the reasons why broadening there operating system support would be more profitable then a single minded approach. But that's not reality. The reality is I will not be upgrading this <hardware>to another of your products like I originally planned on doing.

Thank you for your time.
"

I took two approaches. One was a more subtle approach and the second was more to the point of letting them know I don't expect change so I am taking more business elsewhere.

You may have a better approach then myself. If so great, use it. But we need to keep sending them emails and letting them know. Like I said it won't make a difference right away, but who knows what the future holds.


Webwolf