On Saturday 12 June 2004 19:35, Stuart Bailey wrote:

Hello, I wanted to introduce myself to the ALUG.

I am currently unemployed (having been made redundant from my old job) and planning to start my own business. My objective in my venture is to promote and support the use of Linux in the small to medium sized business, particularly in east Norfolk.

And the very best of luck to you. The low level of technical sophistication and computer-awareness of business in this county is either a major opportunity or a hiding to nothing, depending largely on your ability to sell. (Have you considered garden planning as a fallback option?) -- GT Wymondham - somewhere nearby judging by the area code. Also currently without paid work (Java/Swing/GUI) and little prospect finding any within 100 miles of here other than by retraining as a chef or care manager.

On Sat, Jun 12, 2004 at 07:35:43PM +0100, Stuart Bailey wrote:

I am currently unemployed (having been made redundant from my old job) and planning to start my own business. My objective in my venture is to promote and support the use of Linux in the small to medium sized business, particularly in east Norfolk. I have been working in IT for about 15 years, initially working in the air traffic control industry, and later in the oil pipeline survey industry. I am qualified and experience in software development, mainly C++, on Unix platforms, and more recently Win32. I have been using Linux at home and work for around 6 years (my first taste coming in the form of RedHat v3.2). Academically, I have a 1st class honours degree in computer science and have gained chartered engineer status through the BCS.

You background and experience is similar to mine except that I've been at it somewhat longer. I worked in the Middle East (hospitals and oil) from about 1974 through to 1987. Most of the time since 1987 I have been a contractor but recently have been lucky enough to get a permanent job again as the part of BT where I was contracting has been split off as a separate company.

In recent years I have become increasingly frustrated with company decision makers, who repeatedly ignore the benefits of Linux over other operating systems. I have found this due mainly to two things: lack of knowledge, and fear of change.

We do use Linux quite a bit, mainly for servers and mostly I think because we have been Unix (Solaris) based for many years.

I have now found myself in a position where I can do something about this problem - to actively promote Linux and increase awareness amongst local businesses, and to offer support and maintenance in order to alleviate the fear of change.

My reason for contacting the ALUG in this way, really is to ensure that I am supporting the ALUG in its activities and ideas, rather than 'stepping on anyones toes'.

I wish you good luck in your enterprise. -- Chris Green (chris@areti.co.uk)