FriendlyPC

From Intelligent Designs

In a nutshell: Push an alternative to the traditional PC, based on free software and a subscription model, to the market.

How it could work:

• Entirely based on GNU/Linux.
• Instead of paying for the PC, the user pays a subscription fee. The total hardware cost of the PC + monitor should not exceed USD 500, and the subscription fee should not exceed USD 50/month.
• Innovative new user interface, particularly: turn the desktop into a full-fledged file and application manager with an UI specifically designed for ease of learning, customizability and minimal mouse movements (using pie menus or other, new menu interfaces.) Organize programs as tasks (offer multiple applications for the same task in some cases).
• Integrated backup, either full backup via a separate HD (in which case both disks would be relatively small) or data backup (e.g. home directory, list of programs, global settings) to the Net.
• Absolutely silent -- needs to be usable as a media center.
• Context-sensitive Help button as part of the taskbar which shows a) program documentation, b) relevant forums and wikis (perhaps operated by FriendlyPC maker).
• In addition to user help forums, offer cheap support contracts which include remote desktop administration.
• Offer lifetime warranty on all hardware, and perhaps even free hardware upgrades after two years.
• Debian-style free software updates and selection.
• Certify hardware and software to be FriendlyPC compliant (effectively a Linux certification, could also test for usability and integration into a decentralized authentication framework) and distribute FriendlyPC kits, as well as reference models.
• Offer different variants: FriendlyPC Home, FriendlyPC Business, FriendlyPC Learning. Learning could integrate free content sources like Wikibooks, Wikipedia. Perhaps a deal could be made with some governments to pay the FriendlyPC Learning subscription fee as part of welfare programs (pitch it as a tool to qualify people for the workforce, make it a rather sterile environment optimized for that purpose).
• Establish partnerships with ISPs to offer broadband Net access for a low additional fee. This could work well in this context as FriendlyPC itself would already have a minimum contract duration of 2 years or higher, and many ISPs would be willing to commit to very low prices for such a contract.
• Offer free software donations plans where users can choose to support particular open source programs or sets thereof ("games", "office" etc.) with an additional small monthly donation.
• Network FriendlyPC users, beyond forums. Since users have to enter a contract on purchase, it's easy to use the contract data for authentication on the PC itself -- as a single user ID that can be used for all kinds of services, including social network.
  • TimeCash-based network for PC assistance in the real world?
• Cooperation with PC sellers: either one-time commission or percentage of monthly fee, depending on whether the PC seller is willing to join the FriendlyPC support and maintenance network.

The design:

• Should be offered in at least two designs (e.g. "male" and "female") based on popularity tests with focus groups. Perhaps a very simple faceplate system could be used for design changes.
• While it needs to look stylish, keep all the hardware easily accessible.

The marketing:

• "The PC that never breaks" (due to lifetime warranty, free hardware upgrades, automatic backups)
• "Are you still paying for software?"
• "Cheaper than going to the gym"