Low-Cost, Pre-Configured Linux Computers for Sale

Here is part of Carl's interview of Tim Hildred, an open-source software advocate putting standard PC hardware to better use by setting up an easy-to-use version of Linux with all the programs most people need, right out of the box.

Standard specs are HP Pentium3 1GHz with 512MB RAM with CDROM, Iomega zip disk, and floppy and 20 gig hard drives with Mepis Linux, installed and tweaked.

For more info, email Tim at: timhildred-at-gmail-dot-com.

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Interview with an Advocate, by Carl Furtado

"When I met Tim we were in a dimly lit basement. He was sitting in front of an impressive pile of hardware, almost guarding it. I was struck by the thought of a mother hen, protecting her newly hatched chicks from the ferrets and foxes that the cold world holds for them.

He'd asked me if i wanted to buy a computer, good price, versatile. Running something called Mepis Linux. I'd heard of Linux, something to do with free software and penguins, and angry computer geeks. Could I actually use it, too?

Tim said no problem, the machine and software easily has the power to surf the Net, exchange instant messages, email, play mp3s, video's, and prepare and edit documents and presentations, without any tweaking: everything i wanted it to do. And only $225 gets me the system, the installation, and personal help setting it up!"
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