Finding Linux Systems Where They Never Were Found Before

I regularly receive a catalog from Tiger Direct in the mail Up until very recently every system, desktop and laptop, in their catalog ran Windows and sported a Windows logo in the ad. While the majority still do a half a dozen laptops, all low-end netbooks, are sold with Linux preinstalled and the Tux logo is prominently featured in some of the ads. Linux netbooks by Sylvania, Asus, HP, and Acer are all prominently advertised alongside Windows systems. Searching for Linux on their website reveals additional models available preloaded with Linux.

If you've read my previous posts on Linux capturing at least a piece of the desktop and laptop market you know I believe a major piece of the puzzle is getting preloaded, well configured, easy to use systems out where people can see them. I still believe big box retailers, both electronics specialty stores like Best Buy and Circuit City in the U.S., as well as more general stores like Wal-Mart, are key. Linux is still locked out of most such stores or has a minimal presence at best.

Still, catalogs like this are a huge step forward. Everyone who buys anything from Tiger Direct, either online or at one of their outlet stores, receives this catalog. If they look through it they do see Linux offered as an alternative to Windows. Most non-technical people I talk to don't even know what Linux is. Mind share is a prerequisite to market share. Once you make people aware than an alternative exists some will begin to look into it.

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