[NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux

[thomas.cameron@camerontech.com]

> Thomas Cameron wrote:
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Lance Simmons" <lance at lsimmons.net>
>> To: <discuss at ntlug.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 3:02 PM
>> Subject: [NTLUG:Discuss] Fry's and Linux

>
> You should have listened to that voice in your head.  A question of this
> sort would require extensive knowledge about Linux and computer
> hardware, and Linux developer relationships with computer  hardware and
> computer hardware manufacturers.

Horse feathers.  "Hey - do you know of any of the cards you sell will work
well with Red Hat?"  That's a simple yes/no answer.  It should not involve
pulling some BS answer about "Mac took over Linux" out of his arse.

> That's a bit above the scope and
> training of a store sales clerk.

I don't agree.  Contrary to what Microsoft would tell you, Linux is out
there in significant numbers.  It is not unreasonable for a person selling
PC hardware to have at least a passing knowledge of hardware
compatibility.  Barring that, the sales clerk should at least be grown up
enough to say "I don't know."

> Questions specific to the hardware or
> hardware manufacturers may have netted some useful info, but that's
> [more than likely] far as it would go, [in  usefulness].

Actually, I *should* have gone to http://hardware.redhat.com/hcl/ and
checked there, but I was in Fry's for another purpose and just happened to
look at video cards.  I will grant that I should have been more prepared.

> If there are questions about Linux compatibility: try the Linux
> community, the project developers, the hardware vendors or manufacturers
> for [accurate] answers to your compatibility questions.

Yeah, I know.  As I said, it was an impulse thing and I wasn't prepared. 
But Fry's is just ludicrous - they hire PFYs who act like they are
computing demigods when they are more like morons studying hard to become
idiots - and failing.

Thomas