"Computer ambulance" as the first step

Question

open source

As a work resource, there are six work hands.

We are thinking of starting with one-time orders for restoring computers, installing software (licensed and open source software), network settings. Then outsourcing.

1a) I would like to know if there is a demand for open source software?
1b) How to convince that free is licensed (GPL, LGPL)?
1c) Can there be problems with a test purchase with open source software?

Although this is marketing, maybe someone has experience or ideas.
2) How to reach the directors of firms? Advertising in search engines, going to companies, cold calls or something else?

3) Your thoughts on first aid and outsourcing.

Answer 1

There is a demand for Windows + Office + Kaspersky. And do not expect that they will agree to ubuntu + openoffice, because. "Toys won't work"
In general, think a hundred times, my advice to you. It is better to engage in the services of a "coming admin" from legal entities, gain several regular customers and a stable income is guaranteed.

Answer 2

Please, just don't post ads on the subway.

Answer 3

I don't know about you, but we already have thousands of these "ambulances" in our city. Ready to kiss your ass and install the prettiest software for your money.

Answer 4

Try to negotiate with some large computer store so that with each computer they give a coupon for 1 free visit of a specialist, for example. An alternative option is to simply distribute such coupons at computer stores. People are doing great for free.
Well, then just do not lose face.

Answer 5

1a) No
1b) Nothing, nobody cares
1c) They can
2) Start with your acquaintances, word of mouth will work there.
3) To be.

Answer 6

Try to offer your services to computer stores without your own field technical support: if you do not mow and hide income, it will be beneficial for both you and them. But, IMHO, how often people go to the store with a technical question depends heavily on the city.

Answer 7

1) No
2) There is no demand, no one needs to be convinced, but in general, small implementations in firms can be done, the main argument is that it is free and then legal.
3) If there is a competent lawyer, then it will not arise.
4) I don’t know, but probably they themselves sometimes hang ads about the search for admins on job sites.
5) I haven't seen one yet that would be as good as if I had designed it. Sadness, small outsourcers have little money, and large ones work only with grains and there is more or less a bundle.

Answer 8

>There are six workers as a work resource.
You? Yes, you slept! *hums the X-Files theme*

Answer 9

Without installing counterfeit products, it is impossible to compete with other computer assistance firms. The most common operation is reinstalling Windows. Now test purchases of the relevant authorities are very frequent, so you will work actively, but not for long :)
You can try to make money on professional treatment of a computer from viruses without reinstalling. The lion's share will be porn banners. Also a good option is to put things in order in the computer. The client complains about a freezing computer - you remove unnecessary software from startup or even from your computer, delete Yandex.bars and others like them. But still, without a pirate, it will not be possible to work profitably.
Free software won't work, don't even try. Even if you persuade to install ubuntu, in a couple of days they will call and say "return as it was." You can still try with legal entities of open source software, especially if they are not scared yet and their computers are teeming with counterfeit goods. Parrot with fines of 800 thousand rubles. (this is the real size of the fine of one of our clients) and then you can implement open source software.
Former director of computer assistance