I've been thinking about this page http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/desktopedition and the desktop tour http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/810features/ .

This page is intended for people who have never heard of Ubuntu and want to learn more about it. The goal is to convince these people to use it, or at least make them curious enough to give it a try.

I think the page is not convincing enough and can and should be improved. At this moment it just states some uninteresting facts like that Ubuntu has regualar updates and can be used in other languages. The desktop tour describes nothing more then the applications for internet office and multimedia. Basically it comes down to this; After reading half a dozen pages Ubuntu is just an operating system that looks similar to Windows and comes with similar applications.

Not very convincing, why would anyone waste its time to download and instal or try it if it is no different ?

We know better of course: What distinguishes Ubuntu from Windows ? Exactly those features should be emphasized on this page.

So explain to the audience that

*They don't need to instal virus scanners, firewalls, anti-spyware. That this will also save them money.
*They don't need to use 'crap cleaners' or have to reinstal their system on a regualar basis.
*They won't be on their own, explain how great and helpful the community support is.
*That they can instal thousands of applications with a few clicks, all for free.

This last feature is really important, now there are only two lines about the add/remove feature. But it should be made completely clear that
-they will never ever have to pay for a piece of software. That they can find everything in there and more. Apps they never knew existed.
-That you don't need to be 'smart' or a geek to use Ubuntu. That it is in fact easier to instal apps than on Windows.

And there are of course more features (see http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/) that distinguishes Ubuntu.

I'd suggest to post a short video clip showing 'look! this is how long it takes to instal [some app]' and showing howmany different kind of applications can be found in there.

So, don't just show people what Ubuntu can do, show them why we love it!

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