Posted on Tuesday 6th of March 2007 at 06:21 in Linux

Is GNU/Linux for you? An interesting question

Like many others I was reading the itwire.com which posed "Is GNU/Linux for you? Probably not" and I thought that it was worth discussing.

The author makes mention of something most of us are guilty of having said once upon a time "I can't run Linux although I'd love to...". I've said it, lots. Oli over at ThePCSpy.com has said it lots too. We both fall into the category that the article discusses so obviously I had to read on.

The article is difficult to read due to the rather daft newsletter-subscription placement in the focal part of the page so I don't recommend you read it (I intend to discuss the best parts here anyway).

When did advice become a faux pas?
The author complains at the attitude the majority of Linux users take in recommending it to friends and I felt this was a slightly odd angle to take. True, some enthusiasts think EVERYONE should use their choice in software but this is no different to enthusiasts in any camp. I've had Apple users try to convert me in the same way the author describes his experience with Linux "fanbois".

But excuse me for a moment while I postulate... Linux isn't as high visibility as Apple and therefore a lot of people have never even heard of it let alone seen it, so why is guiding people towards a free alternative seen as bad? No one forces anyone to install anything but more "have a look at Linux, it's free and stuff".

But then the author makes a few good points

Out of an article that looked like it was gently trolling for hits came a few good pieces of advice that I can relate to. The 3 types of user who probably aren't best suited to a full time Linux solution.


 
1. You work for an organisation that uses Windows-only applications for its prime money-making functions.
Reasonably sensible advice this, like being a Ford engineer but only working on Toyotas. You're needed in one environment and forcing yourself upon another isn't sensible.

2. As a home user, you love to play games.
My favourite gripe - that games developers don't support Linux as a platform, meaning devs have to try and retro-fit the games to work. This is one of my main reasons for not moving and will remain a reason until the gaming industry sorts itself out.

3. You just want to get away from viruses
This made me laugh if I'm honest, that you shouldn't switch if you just want to get away from viruses - you need to make a full list of pros and cons before moving across...

To be fair though, the majority of Windows applications have a Linux alternative so switching purely to get away from viruses isn't a bad situation to be in. If Windows isn't crucial for your business or gaming needs (or you're doing something rather advanced) then I see no reason why you can't move across.

This gives me an idea for another article... Coming soon!

 

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