Why haven't you heard of Linux.

Majority of people have heard of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS. Everywhere you go these two companies are advertising extensively. They are always in your face. On the Internet or in the real world there are plenty of marketing projects that these two companies finance. Lately, Apple has been spending a lot of money on advertising their products. They have billboards, metro stations physical stores etc. Both Apple and Microsoft are very good at marketing their products to companies and individuals. The crucial importance is that both Microsoft and Apple have millions of dollars to spend on large marketing campaigns.

Linux on the other hand is a totally different story. If you ask random people on the street about Linux they will say that they have never heard of the company or the project. Then, if you do explain something short about this great project then they ask how come Linux does not advertise. Linux is free for the most part and there is very little money to fund the development of GNU/Linux and its software. Majority of people who are working on open source software are volunteers or part time. However, some do get paid to work on GNU/Linux and its software full time but there are very few of them. The sad truth is that because GNU/Linux does not have a lot of money to advertise to the masses most people have never heard of it. It is not a brand like Apple or Windows. Nevertheless, even though GNU/Linux does not have as much advertising as other projects it is still a great operating system for servers, desktops, laptops and other gadgets. The marketing and promotion of GNU/Linux works a little differently than the other corporate brands. GNU/Linux has enthusiastic people who promote it through word of mouth, events, videos, Blogs, stickers, graffiti and many other low budget but creative ways. Slowly but surely even GNU/Linux is being recognized by some. Nothing easy is done over night but will come in incremental steps. The more people talk and debate about GNU/Linux the more it is embeded in peoples minds and it is more likely that they will try it out. Many individuals that do try out GNU/Linux are impressed by its ease of use, functionality, free software, great eyecandy and customization.

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