I will unfortunately not be able to be physically present at this session... however, I would like to pose the question when/where is open source useful?

Often these discussions get quickly focused in a Linux discussion when really the most accessible open source tools are applications like OpenOffice, Firefox, Flock, and CivicSpace.

So, when does Linux make sense?
- While I'm a big fan of open source, I've not been so fond of recommending organizations use Linux. Speaking at a conference recently with a co-presenter who presented LTSP solutions ala livekiosk.com, my thoughts have changed significantly around this... especially for lab settings or settings where Internet access is the primary function...

When does it make sense to jump to OpenOffice?
- I've been "meaning" to do this myself for some time now.. I haven't since I have access to MS Office... what might move me?

How can the idea of open source be introduced to an organization?
- How do you make it make sense to switch people onto a new "browser" like Firefox? Security fear is not enough. Perhaps you need the social bookmarking, mapping, Flickr hooks that Flock provides to give people the reason to switch. So this question might examine the "hooks" to get folks to switch.

So, I realize there is more than just questions here; but I thought some context might be helpful.

John Lorance
CompuMentor/TechSoup (open source forum co-host)