Way Better than Windoze

Is your computer abusing you?

Tired of “lock-ups,” viruses, version problems, trade-secret document formats?
You're not alone. You're not crazy. You deserve better.

There's a whole world of truly free and trustworthy software for almost everything you do with your Personal Computer (PC). Screenshot 288KB

It's a grassroots movement. We've got evangelists and prophets, but there's really nobody in charge. So it's hard to know where to start when you just want to get free of Microsoft. (“MSFT”)

We're here to offer a path from your current MSFT-based computing environment to one that's safer, less frustrating, and more productive. There are lots of other ways, and which way is best depends on your individual situation.

Don't let anybody tell you what software to use or what equipment to buy unless the conversation begins with "what are your needs, what's your budget, how much work are you willing to do yourself?"

Is this you?

Way Better than Windoze is aimed at ordinary people with real work to do on their computers at home, who are trying to maintain their own PCs.

Some people don't need Way Better than Windoze

If you've got a professional Information Technology (IT) staff to take care of your MSFT computer, stand back and let them do their work. If your boss takes care of your PC for you, great! If you can afford to throw a lot of money at the problem, give your PC to charity and buy a brand new Macintosh. If you just want to play video games, stick with MSFT. If you're already using Linux for everything, nothing new to see here.

You need Way Better than Windoze

you're on your own (no computer staff) on a budget dealing with the horror of the home MSFT experience viruses spyware adware Windows Update and all you ever wanted was a trustworthy office work station

No more mail order, sorry.

Way Better Than Windoze has exited the mail order business. We never figured out how to advertise cheaply enough. But if you're in the San Jose area, call for a consultation. I make house calls.

Cameron Spizer, (408)929-7601. (Jan'08, if the 929 number isn't working try 254-4985.)
cls@truffula.sj.ca.us.

Our Former Products

• Knoppix Live Linux CD -- This disk lets you run the most popular free software system without installing. You get an Internet-ready multimedia office workstation on almost any PC made in the last six years or so. The software is free. Ours comes with instructions and half an hour of support by phone. $25

• Pen drive 250 MB or larger with CD, with your "permanent desktop" and swap area set up, ready to use. $60. Great for nomads who borrow computers when they travel.

• Knoppix disk with instructions but support by email only. $15

• Debian Linux 3.1 for PCs.
  • First disk of 14, enough to install if you have high speed Internet service. $15.

  • Printed copy of 110 page Debian installation manual, $10. You can print it yourself or just download it or read it online and save "trees" and money. While you're at it, get the Debian Reference Manual 277 pages.

  • All 14 CDs with and printed installation guide, $35. Saves you weeks of downloading through a dial-up modem.

  • Installed, ready to use, on an 80 GB or larger hard drive, $200.

Our Services

• Knoppix and Debian Linux phone support. $60/hour. Discount rates for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Some support included with CD purchase but be reasonable.

• Custom installation on a hard drive or laptop. $call.

• PC repair, de-lousing, and Linux setup in your home. $call.

This is the best software we know about, and it's truly free. We're just charging for our manual, CD copying and mailing, and support. If you don't need help figuring out a new computer operating system, lots of folks will sell you the disks alone, or you can download it all yourself. We think this is how the software business ought to be.

Order | Contact Us