shops stocking Linux (was Re: [ILUG] q3test and games )

[Kenn Humborg]

On Mon, Nov 22, 1999 at 02:20:28PM -0800, Mark Fallon wrote:
> 
> > Well, here's an idea that one of the guys in my office had
> > (thanks Brian)...
> > 
> > How about setting up a kiosk with a web browser so that customers
> > can check up on specs at manufacturers' sites or whatever _while_
> > _in_the_store_?  Maybe you don't want to let any random idiot hog
> > it or go hunting porn, so instead put it behind a desk and only
> > let people use it while under supervision by a staff member.
> > 
> > I think it's a good idea.
> > 
> > Later,
> > Kenn
> > 
> 
> Why do you need it connected permanently to the internet. Just set up
> your

Where did I say permanently connected?

> own web server on the machine with the specs for everything you carry.
> Then let whoever browse it. This way you could put in more information,
> direct links to comparisons, reviews etc.

Because that would take time/effort/clues/etc.  What I mean is:

1. I walk into store because I need an ethernet card.
2. I see these cheap 20quid cards on the shelf.
3. I ask the guy behind the counter "Do these work in Linux?"
4. He says "I dunno"
5. I say "What's the chipset?"
6. He says, "I dunno, but come around here and use this PC to
   surf around and find out for yourself."
7. I bung the card type into www.deja.com and bingo - it's supported
8. I part with cash.  Store makes profit less 10p for the modem call.

This just seems like such a sensible thing to do...

Later,
Kenn