Thanks 8ucik for your detailed and thoughtful response.
You have certainly given me some food for thought, and I wasn't aware of system76 - so thanks for that info too.
You're right, support is a vital issue for businesses and I can see the attraction of buying new systems specifically build for Linux and with the Linux distro already installed and fully configured.
I was envisaging a situation of perhaps extending the productive life of existing, older hardware with a cautious/stealthful transition to Linux.
That's one scenario. But if new harware is being sought, that could be an ideal time to consider Linux specific PCs. But who would do that without any previous exposure to Linux whatsoever?
I have read a great deal online about driver issues, especially as relate to more modern hardware. Your 5G wireless issues sounds like it was a real pain. It's a pity you couldn't resolve it, without needing to purchase new hardware.
I need to do detailed market research in respect of support services for business, find out exactly what it is they are currently paying for, and what they might consider paying for.
You're right of course, I can't be available all the time - but that is where some in-house training might come in, if only at a basic level? But even that could be a risky proposition. With a little knowledge you can do a lot of damage!
I know from my own experience that relying on online support forums can be a hit and miss affair. But I have my learning computer, my 'sacrificial lamb' - if things go wrong, I reformat and start again. Businesses can't afford to do that.
I know from my own experience that things can go disastrously wrong with closed source solutions also. For example: when Apple first introduced HFS+ into MacOS v8 - I ran Norton Utilities and it blew holes in all my data on my hard drive. I contacted Symantec - they informed me they were aware of the problem and would be fixing it in due course.
I'm thinking - I.T. is no different to other aspects of life ... it's about managing customer expectations? Communication and transparency incl. support fees and structure (what you get for your money) would be paramount.
Or, I could just remain a Linux enthusiast for entirely my own interests. Early doors I guess.
Again, thanks for your input.
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Thanks 8ucik for your detailed and thoughtful response.
You have certainly given me some food for thought, and I wasn't aware of system76 - so thanks for that info too.
You're right, support is a vital issue for businesses and I can see the attraction of buying new systems specifically build for Linux and with the Linux distro already installed and fully configured.
I was envisaging a situation of perhaps extending the productive life of existing, older hardware with a cautious/stealthful transition to Linux.
That's one scenario. But if new harware is being sought, that could be an ideal time to consider Linux specific PCs. But who would do that without any previous exposure to Linux whatsoever?
I have read a great deal online about driver issues, especially as relate to more modern hardware. Your 5G wireless issues sounds like it was a real pain. It's a pity you couldn't resolve it, without needing to purchase new hardware.
I need to do detailed market research in respect of support services for business, find out exactly what it is they are currently paying for, and what they might consider paying for.
You're right of course, I can't be available all the time - but that is where some in-house training might come in, if only at a basic level? But even that could be a risky proposition. With a little knowledge you can do a lot of damage!
I know from my own experience that relying on online support forums can be a hit and miss affair. But I have my learning computer, my 'sacrificial lamb' - if things go wrong, I reformat and start again. Businesses can't afford to do that.
I know from my own experience that things can go disastrously wrong with closed source solutions also. For example: when Apple first introduced HFS+ into MacOS v8 - I ran Norton Utilities and it blew holes in all my data on my hard drive. I contacted Symantec - they informed me they were aware of the problem and would be fixing it in due course.
I'm thinking - I.T. is no different to other aspects of life ... it's about managing customer expectations? Communication and transparency incl. support fees and structure (what you get for your money) would be paramount.
Or, I could just remain a Linux enthusiast for entirely my own interests. Early doors I guess.
Again, thanks for your input.