How to spread computing freedom?
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I am concerned that people in my entourage use Windows. They complain about viruses, about the computer being slow, about annoying pop-ups, unwanted programs and sometimes the inability to change the home page of their browser due to some malware.
At the same time I see that since using free software all those problems have been replaced other, more high quality issues.
How can I introduce free software to my family and friends?
For the closer ones, I am thinking of buying libreboot with Trisquel computers. I will ask them first with kind of programming they usually do (webmail, spreadsheets, watching videos, downloading things and text processing will be the most usual) and then I will propose and showcase to them how all those things can be done with free software.
Do you have any other ideas?
How do you introduce free software to your family, friends or peers?
Best regards
From my personal experiences:
First introduce them to free software that actually runs in Windows (VLC, gimp, Libreoffice etc).
Once they are used to daily using this tools (this may take some time), show them that by running gnu/linux they will use the same programs, only without viruses, or "slothish" slow pc, no malwares...
Other hard thing to them is the Desktop environment. It takes time to get used to. So I do not recommend you to present em with a DE much different from that logical environment shipped with Windows (they are used to such logic and it takes time to get rid of it). In that affair the modified Gnome that is shipped with Trisquel is very fortuned! It does looks a lot like Windows, at least for Windows users (Try showing Trisquel to a Windows user. Ask this person to use your computer with Trisquel for 10 minutes. I tried and got this answer).
Another approach is by acknowledging the difficult that some of them might have with technology. Some people just don't like having to understand everything or even don't have the will or patience to. Those people just want a pc that ain't slow, have big buttons on one side of the screen which he/she can just press and get what is wanted.
Sadly as it might be, there can't be a radical change in one's computer like that. Try doing it progressively. It takes time. Maybe fully free software only isn't the best way to start. Maybe begin with some non completely free gnu/linux distribution (Quoting RMS (as well as I can remember): They will be more free than those who use fully proprietary). I recommend Cinnamon DE as a first DE to those who come from Windows. Luckily enough you will manage to present your view to that persons.
Be aware: Not everybody will understand your point, some may even believe its foolish and childish. It is not. But be comprehensive; for learning is not easy and teaching is very difficult.
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For the average Joe that only needs to check email, edit some documents and watch YouTube you could also help them towards web applications instead of locally installed versions. If everything they do is through a browser any way, the underlying operating system would be less important and the case for switching is easier to make.
Obviously that wouldn't work for everyone. In my experience Mint and Elementary seem to be good "starter" GNU/Linux distros that don't need people to venture into the terminal very often. :)
The problem is that is better to do the computing with free software in your computer that in a web server. In fact it is the only way to retain your freedom in computing.
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I agree. :)
However, there's usually a limit to how much change people are happy to go through at once. Someone who's running Windows because it's pre-installed, MS Office because that's all they've ever used and Edge because "the little blue e is the internet" is unlikely to switch wholesale to GNU/Linux running LibreOffice and Firefox in one step.
On the other hand if you start small with "you can get to the internet with Firefox" and "give Google Docs a try so you can get used to using something unfamiliar" then it can start people on that track. You can always introduce them to better alternatives as they progress.
(Personally I prefer LibreOffice and don't use Google Docs. But the fewer pain points there are for switching from Windows, the more likely people are to actually switch. Pushing the "it won't randomly stop working on your hardware and cost you a small fortune on anti-virus subscriptions" angles don't hurt either).
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"give Google Docs a try so you can get used to using something unfamiliar" then it can start people on that track
Why would you want people to get started on the track to transition from MS Office to Google Docs?
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To clarify "try Google Docs" is meant to be a precursor to "try LibreOffice now you know you can use something other than Microsoft Office. Like it? Switch to that!".
But I'm aware not everyone is going to agree with the suggestion, particularly on this forum(!). My thinking behind it is "show a non-techie something simple before you show them something complicated".
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How is switching from MS Office to Google Docs simpler than switching to LibreOffice*? It sounds like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Not only are they both proprietary products, they're also both owned by corporations that practice monopoly control whenever they can. If anything, LibreOffice should have a more familiar user interface for someone recovering from MS Office.
The difficulty in abandoning MS Office products is not related to technological savvy, but to Microsoft constantly modifying its proprietary file formats to make them incompatible with the competition.
*LibreOffice, OpenOffice, Calligra, NeoOffice. Though if you're really keen on SAASS you could recommend Feng Office or OnlyOffice Community Edition, both under AGPL licence. I'm sure there are other free software alternatives.
Edit: Grammar.
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I've earned a good living writing tutorials for LibreOffice. It is not simple for Microsoft Office users to switch to and it takes time for them to learn.
Fortunately re: file formats compatibility in LibreOffice has gotten good enough that most things work fine. The main things that are usually broken in MS Office docs are advanced features like pivot tables, macros, certain formulas, embedded documents, weird formatting, etc.
I agree that MS Office & Google Docs are proprietary products. But if someone won't even consider any other products *at all* then at least getting them to acknowledge there are other products worthy of their time is a first step towards leaving Microsoft Office behind. But we can agree to disagree on this.
I think that you have the right idea in by getting them comfortable with new software before switching to a new operating system. However, I think LibreOffice for Window$ would be a better next step than Screwgle Drive.
Ethics aside, it is possible they will disklike Google Drive because working in a browser is less familiar and also terrible because a slow internet connection + Google's bloated JavaScipt can slow down their workflow, making them even more closed-minded to new software. I have a friend who is working up to switching to GNU/Linux from Windows. When I told her that LibreOffice will replace Microsoft Office, whe was skeptical because people had told here that Google Drive was a good replacement and she hated it.
The other possibility is that they will like Google Drive, which will do nothing to break the misconception that proprietary software is better than free software and might make them reluctant to revise their workflow a second time. It is also a step in the wrong direction freedom-wise. With Microsoft Office they were dependent on proprietary software. Now they are dependent on proprietary software and cloud computing.
I understand the logic behind your strategy. Migrating one piece of software at a time is a more managable task than abandoning all proprietary software immediately. There are also situations in which I might suggest a piece of non-free software as an intermediate step. For example, if someone used an iPhone and was not comfortable immediately switching to Replicant. I might suggest temporarily switching to Android on a Replicant-supported phone, and installing Replicant on it once they have adjusted to some of the differences between iOS and Android-based OS's. I might even suggest LineageOS as an additional step between Android and Replicant. However, I would not suggest that an Android user swtich to iOS to get used to the idea of a different operating system, because that would be a step in the wrong direction. They'd be better of switching to LineageOS or Replicant next. I think this is a simialar situation. Google Drive is not a step in the right direction, but LibreOffice for Windows might be a good step before LibreOffice on Trisquel.
I think people are better off using Microsoft Office than Google Docs. And what are you going to tell them? "I don't recommend this Web service, but use it anyway, here, I'll teach you how to use it"? I don't think it makes sense.
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I think the question you're asking me here is "which does the most harm?"
Microsoft Office costs people money and tries to hook them into a monthly subscription for software they can't modify or share. It leads them to save files in formats that don't work properly in other office suites and it does not run on GNU/Linux. They might also save their documents to OneDrive, which could be snooped to influence display ads and there's an outside chance a government intelligence agency might snoop in those documents.
Google Docs has the cloud file storage problem too and similarly the source code can't be inspected. But it costs people nothing to use, their files can be opened in other office suites and they can use whatever operating system they like.
So I guess my controversial thinking is: LibreOffice is the best option, but failing that Google Docs is less abusive than Microsoft Office.
It's not about what "does the most harm". It's about consistency in your principles. To recommend something, and then turn around and say that that thing you recommended is unethical, is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy never helps any cause.
And what good do you hope to bring about, really? Saving them a bit of money? That's a secondary issue, and it's a secondary issue that would have made them more likely to use LibreOffice if you hadn't steered them toward Google Docs.
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Don't worry, @calher's links further down this forum thread made it very clear to me that recommending Google Docs is just as harmful as recommending Microsoft Office.
Money was not the chief consideration, but it can sometimes be a good motivator. And as @fbit pointed out LibreOffice, OpenOffice.org & Abiword are zero cost and don't require users to compromise their freedoms to use them.
Enjoy this most rare of occurrences: A random on the internet admitting they're wrong! :D
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bobstechsite wrote:
But it [Google Docs] costs people nothing to use...
Perhaps this statement reveals the root source of our disagreement.
In any case, I don't see the point in debating between the relative abusiveness of Microsoft versus Google's proprietary programs when there are many free -- as in freedom -- alternatives.
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> you could also help them towards web applications instead of
> locally installed versions. If everything they do is through a browser any
> way, the underlying operating system would be unimportant.
This does not give the user free software and control over their digital
lives.
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html
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Well, I guess that puts the kibosh on "LibreOffice in the Cloud" then! (Unless we self-host it, of course)
After reading those, I can see why so many people yelled at me for suggesting Google Docs as a "transition tool" from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice. I'm going to go away now and rethink my life... :D
They complain about viruses, about the computer being slow, about annoying pop-ups, unwanted programs and sometimes the inability to change the home page of their browser due to some malware.
First of all, I do not provide "assistance" with proprietary software. Ever. I offered my wife a cell phone so that I could install LineageOS + F-Droid + ... without the Google Apps. In this way, she is less victim of proprietary software that she would be buying any cell phone by herself (I do not own a tracking device but she would not do the same). She sometimes complain that I do not want to "help" her with "installing the Uber app" or "having WhatsApp (that she installed herself) put data on the SD card". That would not be "helping" her, from my point of view. I only help with free software. Including installing free software in substitution of malfunctioning proprietary software.
At the same time I see that since using free software all those problems have been replaced other, more high quality issues.
What "high quality issues"? If you are specific (in a new thread for clarity), somebody here may help you.
How can I introduce free software to my family and friends?
A transitive phase is important to a successful migration. You can install, on the present operating system, one free software program a week, for instance. A program that will be available as well on GNU/Linux: Firefox, Thunderbird, VLC, LibreOffice, Pidgin, GIMP, Inkscape, Audacity ... are big ones. Part of them probably cover 90% of the needs of a random home user. After learning about the remaining 10%, more specific programs may have to be sought. And you should help the user with the difficulties she faces. Office file compatibility may be a big one here... Once installed all relevant free software available on Windows, the next step is to install GNU/Linux. With double-boot (less frightening). But GNU/Linux should be the default. The transition is easier if the desktop interface is similar to the previous one. Trisquel's default desktop environment is great for that.
But it is essential to introduce as well the free software *philosophy*. A user who understands the injustice of proprietary software will not surrender to it whenever more convenient.
For the closer ones, I am thinking of buying libreboot with Trisquel computers.
That is a good one... if you first make sure that they will actually use that computer. In particular that they have nothing against refurbished computers. I also frequently help my family with buying hardware. With no OS and Intel graphics (for computers). Supported by LineageOS (they would not use an older phone supported by Replicant) for cell phones. I bought spare Wifi adapters with the AR9271 chipset (supported by ath9k_htc, hence by Linux-libre and Trisquel) to give them.
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>She sometimes complain that I do not want to "help" her with "installing the Uber app" or "having WhatsApp (that she installed herself) put data on the SD card".
I find it very annoying when they act like this, as if you were doing them a wrong by not wanting to install proprietary malware on their devices. Most people just don't want to understand and tend to maintain their point no matter what. I find their point as dumb as annoying: 'but it's muh device, it is muh bizness what I install and use'. No matter how many times you explain that 'installing proprietary software goes against your morals and integrity'.
(Correct, what **you** install and use. So, either install it on ur own or quit annoying me)
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I understand you both (Magic Banana and SuperTramp) but personally I choose to help close relatives or friends install *some* proprietary programs as long as they are making an effort to switch to free software as much as possible. Why? Otherwise they would be using *only* proprietary software. This is, of course, a personal choice and I respect your views.
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You're doing better than I am then I guess!
Generally if a family member asks for help with their computer or smartphone then I'll help them, regardless of the software they happen to be running. I might not agree with their technology choices, but I think once we've had a chat about it then it's their equipment and therefore their decision to make.
The times I usually end up discussing software freedom and GNU/Linux is when I'm asked about my own technology choices. More often than not it's when I'm challenged about the fact I won't connect with them on WhatsApp or Facebook!
On a couple of occasions that very conversation has led to them asking me to set up a dual-boot Ubuntu install on their laptop they can try out. I take pride in the small victories :)
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Sure, every adult has to make their own decision, but it is also a personal decision whether or not to help, and nobody should feel forced to help install proprietary software for others.
What I meant above is, for example, if somebody tells me they can use free software for everything except chat app x, y or z which everyone uses at their work, and if they don't use it they cannot do their work, then I figure if I don't help them install it they will just go back to a proprietary OS and install it themselves or ask someone else to do so, which I feel would be a worse choice. Regardless, I do it begrudgingly.
I suppose I could say to them that they should stand up to their company and explain that nobody should force them to use proprietary software, etc. Realistically, that's not going to happen. At least not overnight.
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Why does the employee have to use their company's chat program on a
personal device?
Most companies keep everything self-contained, on company equipment, so
that user freedom would remain the same regardless of the software
running on them.
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That's not how much of the world works nowadays, unfortunately. I suppose the word employee may be inaccurate...contractor/freelancer/consultant/micro-entrepreneur/etc. The reality is many people do use their personal computer equipment working for their "employer."
I don't allow any real-time access to me on my personal devices. So, no work email, no work chat, not text messaging, and I don't take calls from work related numbers.
When I happen to telecommute unexpectedly, which means I don't have my work laptop with me, I'll tolerate real-time access via Office 365 web apps in browser tabs, and some calls to my mobile.
That's it. My coworkers applaud me for this discipline and wish they had the courage to keep things separate. They're too anxious, and yet I achieved all this very casually, comfortably and matter of factly. It required zero courage. *shrug*
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Also, if their workflow is still dependent on proprietary apps, then
switching the OS won't do much good. Also, switching the OS will make
them feel like they're "finished", and they'll slow down on their
progress.
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Things are not always black and white and people juggle with many types of competing priorities. I respect the resolve of those who reject every proprietary program, but life is full of other inconveniences (like finding food and shelter) that sometimes take priority in the life of people I care.
Whether or not switching OS and using mostly freedom respecting programs is a waste, in some cases those I have helped move towards software freedom dread the thought of ever using a proprietary OS, or certain programs.
This is not meant to disrespect software freedom. It is very important in my life and I have dedicated much time to it. At the same time, I refuse to impose an all or nothing reality on the people I help.
At the same time, I think it is very important for people like RMS and the FSF to be very strict about this. They are the shining light others look toward for direction when it comes to software freedom.
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On Tue, 2018-01-09 at 16:02 +0100, name at domain wrote:
> Things are not always black and white and people juggle with many types of
> competing priorities. I respect the resolve of those who reject every
> proprietary program, but life is full of other inconveniences (like finding
> food and shelter) that sometimes take priority in the life of people I care.
My priorities:
- eight hours a day
- Mon thru Fri
- long term
- enough money to cover living expenses
- won't break my back/injure me
- no cellphone required
- no driving license required
- won't demand that I do anything proprietary on my own devices (unless
it's temporary, to get the job, and it works on my OS)
- if they send something to my personal email, they will comply when I
reject DOCX and ask for PDF
- all computing done on their computers is theirs, not mine
- none of my computing, not even minesweeper or videos during downtime,
or reading articles, or changing the wallpaper, is allowed under any
circumstances
- if anything goes wrong, the software is their responsibility, not mine
They've been met.
> At the same time, I think it is very important for people like RMS and the
> FSF to be very strict about this. They are the shining light others look
> toward for direction when it comes to software freedom.
Yes. Whenever I don't know how to do something privately or with free
software, I ask RMS.
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Love this:
"But it is essential to introduce as well the free software *philosophy*. A user who understands the injustice of proprietary software will not surrender to it whenever more convenient."
That's a great first step.
You have to look at who they are, who their circle(s) is(are), and and how they interact with their circle(s). There's little benefit to getting a few people in a circle to adopt different software if their larger circle will not, unless the're of a mind to perceive personal gain and work towards protecting it from external resistance. The oddballs that try to be different will have to fight their oddballness more than the technology they've adopted. The social challenge is always greater than the technological.
It's like trying to get people to use a different social media platform over Facebook. People will stay where everybody else already is, pain points, fake news and brain-rot be damned. :)
What you can do is edge inwards towards leader types who can handle the burdens of learning, use-case transformation and navigating the dissonance of social rejection. Grow this demographic, and they can become part of the hundreds with a value proposition that circle the others, and energize opportunities for social evolution, which can lead to more growth and foster more leaders.
So my first questions to a person that could benefit from adopting a freedom mindset and using libre software/hardware would not be, "how many people do you know that use MS Word?" I would instead ask, "hey, you up for some pioneering and becoming a free-er person?" If they respond well, it's time to spill the beans on what is going on in the software/hardware world today to squeeze us in a vice, and share some options on how to out-manoeuvre it with new beliefs and choices that reflect them. Establish the excitement and emotional opportunities for a self first, then look at the boring technical how-tos. =D
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I applaud your success, ariellab. Different people live different circumstances, so you cannot assume everyone can set work boundaries in the same way.
In many places of the world, it takes much courage to do many of the things you may take for granted in your context/country/culture. This includes setting personal-work boundaries as described in your post.
Simplistically, the difficulty in establishing one's own rules in life is inversly proportional to privilege (financial, aptitude, country of provenance, etc.).
Edit: Spelling.
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