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Over the past few months there's been a lot of talk about the possibility of a recession. And for those of you working in various aspects of the IT sector, job security is certainly a concern. This type of financial climate change can often lead to a difference in the software buying habits of the casual computer user and those in the business world.

In this article, we will examine the possible path of anyone who suddenly falls off of the employment train and then uses open source software to maintain a comfortable lifestyle -- while helping others along the way. By utilizing what is already out there, IT firms and individual consultants, among others, can turn things around fast by offering quick value to their customers.

Open source software just makes 'cents'

Take any typical poor college student. Offer them a packagedcopy of Open Office for $10 or a new copy of Microsoft Office at the latest price and just watch the law of value come into play. Unless that student has more money than sense, they'll pick Open Office (Oo) every time.

The key to making this happen, however, is largely due to how you go about presenting the product. If you have Oo running on a notebook attached to a large monitor that allows foot traffic in a public place, people will stop and ask questions as they are generally not too keen on playing for the latest "upgrade" for Microsoft office unless there is a seriously compelling reason to do so.

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I think the same rule applies to packaged, easy-to-install copies of GIMP, Scribus, and Tux Paint. Again, this is software that can be bundled onto one CD and ready to be given out to those who are interested. The tricky part is making money with it.

Selling open source or adding value

A lot of people have an issue with people simply packaging up a copy of Oo, using its logo, then selling it for a reasonable amount of money. Despite this being perfectly legal to do so long if certain guidelines are met, I am going to tell you how to keep the open source enthusiasts from running you out of town.

Create and then bundle how-to videos using screen-capturing software to help new users become more comfortable with the software. It not only adds value to what you are trying to sell, it also means that you are proving to enthusiasts that you really are trying to help people adopt this software, not just working to make a fast buck.

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