Supporting Open Source
July 8th, 2008I try my best to use open source software wherever possible. This usually just means downloading and using software but I’m increasingly trying to buy from companies that actively advertise supporting Linux, for example.
In a recent post I described that I was looking to buy some HomePlug units. I eventually ordered some from a company called Devolo (you can see them here) and one of the main reasons was that on their website that have driver software available for Linux. The units are OS agnostic but it’s nice to see a company put in the effort to allow users of other operating systems to get the full functionality from a product.
In this case I also put my money where my mouth is since they are considerably more expensive than many others available, the Netgear HDXB101 units cost about 400 DKK (80 USD) less.
Since I use Linux so much finding products that support Linux is very important to me, it’s just a pity that so few companies provide accurate information regarding what OS their product supports. Pick up any box in a computer shop and it’s easy to see that Windows XP/Vista symbols along with the Mac icon but rarely do you see any mention of Linux, or any other system for that matter.
This even applies to routers when they simply act as a DHCP server and have a web interface, anyone knows these work fine with Linux but from the packaging you would never know. Even my Synology Diskstation which actually runs Linux doesn’t advertise Linux support!
Companies need to realise that some buying decisions are made on the basis of OS support. Even if Linux only makes up 1% of the OS market share I’m pretty sure those 1% spend well over the average on hardware. I have 1PC, 1 laptop, a network printer, router, NAS device, portable hard disk, plus many other devices, and I’m sure many other Linux users spend well over the average.