Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 05/06/2013 01:55 PM, Barry Drake wrote: On 02/05/13 16:14, alan c wrote: I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. I have posted my actions in full at: Ubuntu bug #1 - see: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1 I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 2013-05-09 10:39, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. Regards, Tyler -- Complaining about ionizing radiation on your way to a plane flight is like complaining about a TSA pat-down on your way to Caligula's palace. -- Soren Ragsdale -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 10:51, Tyler J. Wagner wrote: On 2013-05-09 10:39, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. Regards, Tyler Perhaps it was the inability of the staff to provide effective support, I would suggest that the earlier offer of training made by Victor is the way forward, but this must come down from 'on high' as many of the store based 'managers' seem to lack the confidence / ability to make a decision for the benefit of their customers. Perhaps now that LINUX is becoming more 'mainstream' now is the time to apply pressure to the top of such monolithic organizations. Note I have found my local 1 man band PC supplies store to be far more helpful, and if he does not know he takes my number and does some research and gets back to me (good 'ole customer service is not dead!). I hope to build a good enough relationship with him that we can get a small rack of Ubuntu install cd's in his shop soon! (I have convinced him to try it on his old(er) laptop rather than throw it away as it wont run WIN 8! this conversation only happened last week! I will keep this list posted on any progress I make. Regards Pete -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/2013 10:39, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: On 05/06/2013 01:55 PM, Barry Drake wrote: On 02/05/13 16:14, alan c wrote: I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. I have posted my actions in full at: Ubuntu bug #1 - see: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1 I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( When I bought my Acer Aspire with Linux Lite on it, the guy in PCWorld said that it might not connect to the internet and there was no support, and they were getting loads returned because nobody knew how to use it, so if I couldnt get it to work, I could get my money back..which tells me that is why Linux based computers disappeared. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 13:00, Paul Sutton wrote: On 09/05/13 11:09, pete smout wrote: On 09/05/13 10:51, Tyler J. Wagner wrote: On 2013-05-09 10:39, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. Regards, Tyler Perhaps it was the inability of the staff to provide effective support, I would suggest that the earlier offer of training made by Victor is the way forward, but this must come down from 'on high' as many of the store based 'managers' seem to lack the confidence / ability to make a decision for the benefit of their customers. Perhaps now that LINUX is becoming more 'mainstream' now is the time to apply pressure to the top of such monolithic organizations. Note I have found my local 1 man band PC supplies store to be far more helpful, and if he does not know he takes my number and does some research and gets back to me (good 'ole customer service is not dead!). I hope to build a good enough relationship with him that we can get a small rack of Ubuntu install cd's in his shop soon! (I have convinced him to try it on his old(er) laptop rather than throw it away as it wont run WIN 8! this conversation only happened last week! I will keep this list posted on any progress I make. Regards Pete Maybe we can include a few user group fliers in there too, so people at least have some way of getting help / support if they need it, maybe invite him to join the lug, as for cd's maybe also include some Lubuntu cd's , debian cd's or other cd's (maybe the lug can help put some together), perhaps the shop owner could help by providing a pc + Linux, but include a built in sd card writer and a raspberry pi image, so new pi users can get help flashing the sd card. Where are you based, maybe the lug can do some sort of Linux demo event or something ast the shop, a bit like the Ubuntu hours but if we call it GNU/Linux hour instead is less distro centric. Taking on the big boys is a big job, helping the smaller shops expand what they offer may be the way forward. and it helps local small shops which the high street needs too. If a small store offers something unique then it helps them generate new customer interest. Just a few thoughts. Paul Hi, All are valid ideas, I admit to being Ubuntu centric, although Lubuntu and Debian are also valid ideas, the guy concerned has taken 'my advise' and d-loaded ubuntu and installed it to see for him self (he admitted to 'not having considered LINUX in at least 10 years'. I will pop in on Saturday and see how he is getting on, and discuss the ideas mentioned above, he was already aware of the Raspberry Pi project, and was doing his own research on that before I spoke to him. I am based in Southampton, the shop is in the Woolston area of the city (Bridge Computers), which is not the 'richest' area of town and a lo-cost solution I think would be of interest to his 'passing trade'. I will certainly mention the Hants. LUG (I have found their support both useful and fascinating). Having said all of that he remains a business and as such is there to make money, convincing him to supply things F.O.C might be harder than we think! I felt that if I could convince *him* of the viability of modern LINUX distros then half the battle would be won! Maybe if other LINUX users in the area popped in and asked all the right questions he might be persuaded that offering LINUX support could be his USP and generate further business from outside of his local area! Maybe even the South-Coast's goto place for LINUX. he might consider it a small price to 'give things away'! If anyone needs further info please contact me off list for directions etc. Regards Pete -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 13:00, Paul Sutton wrote: Taking on the big boys is a big job, helping the smaller shops expand what they offer may be the way forward. and it helps local small shops which the high street needs too. If a small store offers something unique then it helps them generate new customer interest. Just a few thoughts. Paul A problem here is that there is no way any of the small shops can compete on price with the big boys. And as we know, the big boys are driven by Microsoft to an unfair degree. Four years or so ago, I bought a Dell netbook with Ubuntu pre-installed. I went in to our local Dixons at that time asking about purchasing from them but was told We no longer stock it - they all came back. I imagine they 'all came back' because of lack of staff-training. OTOH the price of these netbooks from Dixons had been really keen. No independent retailer could possibly have got near it! Regards,Barry. -- Barry Drake is a member of the the Ubuntu Advertising team. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 13:35, Barry Drake wrote: On 09/05/13 13:00, Paul Sutton wrote: Taking on the big boys is a big job, helping the smaller shops expand what they offer may be the way forward. and it helps local small shops which the high street needs too. If a small store offers something unique then it helps them generate new customer interest. Just a few thoughts. Paul A problem here is that there is no way any of the small shops can compete on price with the big boys. And as we know, the big boys are driven by Microsoft to an unfair degree. All true but speaking personally I would rather pay a *few* quid more for good knowledgeable service than save a fiver and get zero support! But that's just me! Four years or so ago, I bought a Dell netbook with Ubuntu pre-installed. I went in to our local Dixons at that time asking about purchasing from them but was told We no longer stock it - they all came back. I imagine they 'all came back' because of lack of staff-training. OTOH the price of these netbooks from Dixons had been really keen. No independent retailer could possibly have got near it! Regards,Barry. Pete -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On Thu, 2013-05-09 at 09:39 +, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, unless there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( Agreed - I bought my first netbook from PC World [during a sale] with an XFCE Linux distro - not Ubuntu but I soon converted it - the point is I bought it with a Linux distro. It had a hardware fail a short time after once back from a replacement mainboard the shop actually reloaded the OS on the spot.. with their instantly to hand distro CD. Shop was actually impressed that they could do this so quickly and easily! I occasionally go back to same store - not a Linux machine in sight. Those in the know at the store share my disappointment - but the average comment is ..but we have to sell what the customers expect. Therein lies the weakness - we must educate to expect better. -- Cheers, Bill B. [SuperEngineer] -- -Registered Linux User 523667- -Registered Ubuntu User 32366- -Free as in Freedom-- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 12:34, scoundrel50a wrote: On 09/05/2013 10:39, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: On 05/06/2013 01:55 PM, Barry Drake wrote: On 02/05/13 16:14, alan c wrote: I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. I have posted my actions in full at: Ubuntu bug #1 - see: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1 I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, /unless /there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( When I bought my Acer Aspire with Linux Lite on it, the guy in PCWorld said that it might not connect to the internet and there was no support, and they were getting loads returned because nobody knew how to use it, so if I couldnt get it to work, I could get my money back..which tells me that is why Linux based computers disappeared. A few years ago, I requested, and was granted, a chat with the Manager of PCWorld (Reading). I asked if I could do a small demo of (Ubuntu) near the door one weekend, and hand out leaflets. I showed one of my (computer fair) leaflets. It was a relaxed conversation. He simply asked 'Can I sell it?' I said, 'Well, it is free.' He responded, before hurriedly rushing off, 'Not interested.' -- alan cocks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On Thu, 2013-05-09 at 21:51 +0100, alan c wrote: It was a relaxed conversation. He simply asked 'Can I sell it?' Back to basics... he believed his company made money by selling Windows... what if he were told he could sell his machines for less by not paying/forcing Ms licenses? A can of worms, I know. At store level that would get nowhere... but at HQ level? -- Cheers, Bill B. [SuperEngineer] -- -Registered Linux User 523667- -Registered Ubuntu User 32366- -Free as in Freedom-- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 21:51, alan c wrote: A few years ago, I requested, and was granted, a chat with the Manager of PCWorld (Reading). I asked if I could do a small demo of (Ubuntu) near the door one weekend, and hand out leaflets. I showed one of my (computer fair) leaflets. It was a relaxed conversation. He simply asked 'Can I sell it?' I said, 'Well, it is free.' He responded, before hurriedly rushing off, 'Not interested.' Alan, I was in business for many years. I was in it firstly to give service to my customers and secondly to earn a crust or two! I was not in it for altruistic reasons, although I have done a bit of 'pro bono' from time to time. A manager is only going to pick up on our offers if he might benefit him/herself, his/her trade and his/her customers. He/she doesn't keep Linux enabled computers because they are poor sellers in comparison to other operating system kit. He/she DOES already stock Linux enabled peripherals. Knowledge of this fact WILL gain (a few) sales with no cost to the store other than a bit of training. ergo any right-minded manager will think seriously about looking into this. AND this will raise awareness that Linux is a 'force' to be reckoned with. May 'the force' be with us Regards,Barry. -- Barry Drake is a member of the the Ubuntu Advertising team. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 09/05/13 19:16, SuperEngineer wrote: On Thu, 2013-05-09 at 09:39 +, Gordon Burgess-Parker wrote: I find it very interesting that nearly four years ago, when I bought my Toshiba Netbook with Ubuntu Remix from Dixons, they were selling like hot cakes, far better than the equivalent Windows machines. Then suddenly, overnight, they disappeared. Now what retailer would remove a best-selling line instantly like that, unless there was some sort of external pressure to do so? ;-( Agreed - I bought my first netbook from PC World [during a sale] with an XFCE Linux distro - not Ubuntu but I soon converted it - the point is I bought it with a Linux distro. It had a hardware fail a short time after once back from a replacement mainboard the shop actually reloaded the OS on the spot.. with their instantly to hand distro CD. Shop was actually impressed that they could do this so quickly and easily! I occasionally go back to same store - not a Linux machine in sight. Those in the know at the store share my disappointment - but the average comment is ..but we have to sell what the customers expect. Therein lies the weakness - we must educate to expect better. A blast from the past but still makes me smile: 'Thieves dont even want Vista' Video - (see from 2mins 8sec) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-1uQ4veOTg ;-) PS The video is only slightly inaccurate, only a single laptop was stolen, that was all they had in the shop! -- alan cocks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 02/05/13 16:14, alan c wrote: I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. I have posted my actions in full at: Ubuntu bug #1 - see: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1 All the documents are now at: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665949/+files/currys1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665953/+files/currys3.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665958/+files/currys_a.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665982/+files/currys_ceo_1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665983/+files/currys_ceo_resp.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665985/+files/currys_reply_2.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665989/+files/currys_resp_1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665994/+files/currys_resp_2.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665995/+files/kodak2.pdf I've also posted a message on the Ubuntu Marketing list. In case anyone still takes it - it has been dormant for a while). I'm hoping to raise interest in establishing guidelines and encouraging to Locos to participate in this method of awareness-raising. Regards,Barry. -- Barry Drake is a member of the the Ubuntu Advertising team. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On May 6, 2013 2:55 PM, Barry Drake ubuntu-advertis...@gmx.com wrote: On 02/05/13 16:14, alan c wrote: I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. I have posted my actions in full at: Ubuntu bug #1 - see: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1 All the documents are now at: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665949/+files/currys1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665953/+files/currys3.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665958/+files/currys_a.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665982/+files/currys_ceo_1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665983/+files/currys_ceo_resp.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665985/+files/currys_reply_2.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665989/+files/currys_resp_1.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665994/+files/currys_resp_2.pdf https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/1/+attachment/3665995/+files/kodak2.pdf I've also posted a message on the Ubuntu Marketing list. In case anyone still takes it - it has been dormant for a while). I'm hoping to raise interest in establishing guidelines and encouraging to Locos to participate in this method of awareness-raising. Regards,Barry This great stuff, should we start looking at going down to staples and maje sure we get the same for 3D printers?[1] My little victory was to get my local news agent to have a linux format magazine to always have a spot on their rack. [1] http://mashable.com/2013/05/03/staples-3d-printers/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
On 01/05/13 13:55, Jones, Victor wrote: Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:06:56 +0100 From: Barry Drake ubuntu-advertis...@gmx.com To: ubuntu-uk ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com Subject: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response . After a lot of contact making, including two opposing e-mails from the support team, I got the following response after copying in the CEO for the group. This seems to represent the official policy of Currys, PC World, Dixons.co.uk and Pixmania.com The message title was: DIX1928366CR, RE: very mixed response . and includes the following paragraph: For the pre-loaded Linux operating system on the product, the manufacturers directly provide technical support. For PC peripherals such as printer there is an option for customer to download drivers for different operating system like Windows, Linux and MAC. We would recommend customer to check or ask the store whether these drivers are available from the manufacturer direct. Our store endeavour to provide any assistance of different versions of operating system, however, this cannot be guaranteed all the time. I have logged your complaint under reference CC2000722. Mohammed Gulfraz - The KNOWHOW? Team. Dated 29th April. It might be good if list members could test this out at their local branch by asking which peripherals do support Linux, and making a complaint if the branch is opposed to giving this information. Kind regards, Barry. -- Good Job. Raising awareness of Linux among retail companies is a long slog - with perseverance they'll slowly get the message that customers want alternatives. Kudos to you for pursuing it. I have often got undesirable responses from almost ANY 'shops' selling PCs, although I have not tried much now that Android is blossoming so well, and Chromebooks. The adverse comments are usually quite firm, well rehearsed, and based obviously on prejudice not experience. The comments are ALWAYS aimed at 'Linux', not Ubuntu, for example. This thread is in ubuntu-uk lists so perhaps the subtle difference between 'Ubuntu' and 'Linux' is relevant. I have become aware that the fair criticism that linux kernel hacking is only for geeks, not normal people, (present company accepted...) has been effortlessly subverted by the opposition to include all OSs based on the linux kernel. 'Linux' is very significant to hackers, but I suggest that we need to be aware of the ease the word is used against us. On a happier note - have you seen the Jim Zemlin 20 minutes Ted talk: http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/What-the-Tech-Industry-Has-Lear ;-) -- alan cocks -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response
When I last mentioned Linux in PC World it was quite obvious that the assistant had never heard of it. Now that most PC World shops are integrated with Currys, there are staff with apparently little experience on the PC side. They may know a lot about fridges and hoovers but not IT. Maybe that will improve with time. Perhaps if enough people ask about Linux drivers and support, even if we already know the answer, the message might slowly get through. As an aside, when I told an assistant in a Tesco mega-store that I would be installing Linux on a laptop I was considering buying, his response was I wouldn't do that, Sir. Linux has a reputation for burning out hard disks. Nige -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:06:56 +0100 From: Barry Drake ubuntu-advertis...@gmx.com To: ubuntu-uk ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com Subject: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response . After a lot of contact making, including two opposing e-mails from the support team, I got the following response after copying in the CEO for the group. This seems to represent the official policy of Currys, PC World, Dixons.co.uk and Pixmania.com The message title was: DIX1928366CR, RE: very mixed response . and includes the following paragraph: For the pre-loaded Linux operating system on the product, the manufacturers directly provide technical support. For PC peripherals such as printer there is an option for customer to download drivers for different operating system like Windows, Linux and MAC. We would recommend customer to check or ask the store whether these drivers are available from the manufacturer direct. Our store endeavour to provide any assistance of different versions of operating system, however, this cannot be guaranteed all the time. I have logged your complaint under reference CC2000722. Mohammed Gulfraz - The KNOWHOW? Team. Dated 29th April. It might be good if list members could test this out at their local branch by asking which peripherals do support Linux, and making a complaint if the branch is opposed to giving this information. Kind regards, Barry. -- Good Job. Raising awareness of Linux among retail companies is a long slog - with perseverance they'll slowly get the message that customers want alternatives. Kudos to you for pursuing it. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response
On May 1, 2013 1:28 PM, Nigel Verity nigelver...@hotmail.com wrote: When I last mentioned Linux in PC World it was quite obvious that the assistant had never heard of it. Now that most PC World shops are integrated with Currys, there are staff with apparently little experience on the PC side. They may know a lot about fridges and hoovers but not IT. Maybe that will improve with time. Perhaps if enough people ask about Linux drivers and support, even if we already know the answer, the message might slowly get through. As an aside, when I told an assistant in a Tesco mega-store that I would be installing Linux on a laptop I was considering buying, his response was I wouldn't do that, Sir. Linux has a reputation for burning out hard disks. I hope you complained about that comment! Neil -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Dixons/PC World response .....
After a lot of contact making, including two opposing e-mails from the support team, I got the following response after copying in the CEO for the group. This seems to represent the official policy of Currys, PC World, Dixons.co.uk and Pixmania.com The message title was: DIX1928366CR, RE: very mixed response . and includes the following paragraph: For the pre-loaded Linux operating system on the product, the manufacturers directly provide technical support. For PC peripherals such as printer there is an option for customer to download drivers for different operating system like Windows, Linux and MAC. We would recommend customer to check or ask the store whether these drivers are available from the manufacturer direct. Our store endeavour to provide any assistance of different versions of operating system, however, this cannot be guaranteed all the time. I have logged your complaint under reference CC2000722. Mohammed Gulfraz - The KNOWHOW™ Team. Dated 29th April. It might be good if list members could test this out at their local branch by asking which peripherals do support Linux, and making a complaint if the branch is opposed to giving this information. Kind regards, Barry. -- Barry Drake is a member of the the Ubuntu Advertising team. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
