Return to BSD News archive
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!simtel!noc.netcom.net!news.sprintlink.net!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!swrinde!news.uh.edu!uuneo.neosoft.com!nmtigw!peter From: peter@nmti.com (Peter da Silva) Subject: Re: Linux vs. FreeBSD Message-ID: <id.0VJL1.Z23@nmti.com> Sender: peter@nmti.com (peter da silva) Organization: Network/development platform support, NMTI References: <3qfhhv$7uc@titania.pps.pgh.pa.us> <id.DMCL1.BVI@nmti.com> <3tffhq$qfu@pandora.sdsu.edu> <3tv096$8ba@park.uvsc.edu> Date: Wed, 12 Jul 1995 18:45:22 GMT Lines: 32 In article <3tv096$8ba@park.uvsc.edu>, Terry Lambert <terry@cs.weber.edu> wrote: > I find it particularly ironic that the software industry is really > the only industry in which free support is considered mandatory. If > my car or fridge fail, I call the repairman, not the 1-800 support > number. If my bicycle fails, I take it to the bike shop. The last time my car failed, I took it to the dealer, they repaired it under warranty. The last time my bike failed, I took it back to Sears, they replaced the faulty frame for free. The other week I had a problem getting roadkill out of my car. I called the dealer, they gave me good advice about where it was likely to have got stuck. My bike computer failed shortly after I got it, I took it back and it was replaced under warranty. The kit for my swingset was missing a piece, it was replaced for free. I had a problem getting it set up in the thick Houston clay soil. They gave me a workaround. This is all support. If computer companies had competant dealer networks they wouldn't need 1600-person support staffs inhouse. Unfortunately the competant dealer network model has fallen by the wayside. Free support for failures not due to normal wear and tear is common, and software doesn't wear out. But I don't expect the dealer to drive up and ask me how my new car's going. They provide the support channel, I use it. I don't demand they pick the channel I prefer. [deleting a lot of stuff I agree with] -- Peter da Silva (NIC: PJD2) `-_-' Network Management Technology Incorporated 'U` 1601 Industrial Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 USA +1 713 274 5180 "Har du kramat din varg idag?"