Old news - Lowe's runs linux!

[BobK54]

According to a Google search this is old news but today I went into my local Lowe's store (wearing my Ohio Linux Fest 2012 t-shirt) and had an employee help me with a kiosk computer they had set up there to get some info from my "My Lowe's" account.  I realized that was NOT Windows they were using, it looked more like XFCE or LXDE to me.  Google had citations of Lowe's linux use going back to 2002.  Who knew?  I asked the gal if she had any problem using that computer and she looked at me like I was crazy.  Of course she didn't have any problem using it!  I explained why I asked...it went over her head.  She had NO idea she wasn't using Windows. 

[smileeb]

I think if you asked the workers there that use the terminals, most would think they are using windows. They are taught certain keys and codes to type to get them info they would need to
assist a customer. They are not told what OS the system runs on. If I'm not mistaken it is like a server system and those terminals do not let them deep enough into the OS to do damage. They have a password that only lets them to non restricted areas.
 

[Crow]

I've seen several places running Linux (Debian in a national chain of drugstores) but employees doesn't know about OS they only use the computers for what they need and that's all.

BTW I always ask if they have had problems and they say "no", I've seen that the local Sam's, Wallmart and a few others use Windows in the checkout and in the machines to print photographs  and frequently have to reboot because the machines fails.

[YouCanToo]

I think if you asked the workers there that use the terminals, most would think they are using windows. They are taught certain keys and codes to type to get them info they would need to
assist a customer. They are not told what OS the system runs on. If I'm not mistaken it is like a server system and those terminals do not let them deep enough into the OS to do damage. They have a password that only lets them to non restricted areas.
 

They should only have enough information that allows them to do their jobs. There is no need for them to have more.

[Just17]

You expect terminal users to know about operating systems?   

[waltff]

I think if you asked the workers there that use the terminals, most would think they are using windows. They are taught certain keys and codes to type to get them info they would need to
assist a customer. They are not told what OS the system runs on. If I'm not mistaken it is like a server system and those terminals do not let them deep enough into the OS to do damage. They have a password that only lets them to non restricted areas.

As a Lowes employee and a Linux user I can tell you that they do use Linux but are moving more towards windows 7.  The base is Suse enterprise. They use firefox for the browser.  Some programs can not be run in Linux and I know that they are using Microsoft exchange.  These changes have only happened in the past year and a half.  Lowes Linux has slowly been stripped and they will be getting rid of Genesis as soon as they work out the bugs.

[joechimp]

Welcome waltff  to the forum.
It seems you only have one post but already have one thanks received.