While I see the recently described [[FriendlyPC]] idea as the best model to get Linux and other free software widely used on the home desktop, I think social networking could help a great deal in deploying it even under the present market conditions. The idea of the [[LinuxInstall Network]] is to have an expert network clearly similar to the [[Skype an Expert]] idea below, but more focused on physical meetings — with the goal of installing Linux as a desktop operating system.

There are millions of Linux desktop users. Certainly, thousands of them strongly believe in free software, and would be more than willing to help others to install it — especially if they got paid for it, or could use their favorite distribution.

The LinuxInstall Network is a specialized [[expert network]]. Members of the network are willing to install Linux and other free software applications on someone’s PC for free or for a charge. A symbolic currency that is of value in the community could also be used. Perhaps one would be able to purchase “time currency” by spending real money, or by providing services to other users. While the focus would be on installation, there’s no reason not to provide other free software related services through the same network.

From the user’s point of view, it would be as simple as entering a location and selecting an expert from a tabular list, sorted by price or rating. An appointment could then be made (perhaps using a built-in scheduler), and a few days later, there’d be one more happy Linux user. Experts would be allowed to specify other conditions besides their price, such as their preferred Linux distributions.

Could it work? [[edit:LinuxInstall Network|Edit this idea in the wiki]], or add your comments below.