Many open source programs like openoffice/jashaka etc now only come with versions that can work with windows XP etc instead of also working with earlier windows versions. This necessitates buying or using pirated versions of windows and also upgrading the hardware sometimes. What can be done to continue making softwares for all versions of windows instead of the latest versions? Can some of us write to the developers of various such softwares and to the linux media channels of this anomaly?
2ndly I have been trying to popularise linux at the individual level but the problem which is cropping up again and again is the demand for a relatively high end hardware. e.g. ubuntu needs at least 512 MB ram and most people wanting free software are the poorer types having older hardware and it always necessitates a hardware upgrade.
I have tried other linuxes such as puppylinux or damn small linux (needs atleast 128mb ram) or kanotix (256mb ram) but do not have the expertise to advise people properly of all the possible applications they need with these other linuxes. I am most experienced with ubuntu since it has easier install/upgrade options/software such as the synaptic GUI . Am sure other open source proponents also would have come across similar dilemnas.
What we need is a gui based linux for the lower end hardwares in the same way ubuntu/edubuntu/xubuntu is for the higher end hardwares-- because most of us are still laymen where linux is concerned. Having multiple distributions means a lot of learning is required to test and upgrade packages without breaking the dependencies etc and that reduces the masses taking up linux fast enough.
Kush