The_Pirate_King
December 8th, 2009, 01:56 AM
Before I switched to linux, I have had to deal with a few linux users who were irritated at my utter lack of knowledge about their operating system and vast array of rage-inducing misconceptions.
This didn't make me any more likely to switch to linux. What finally did, actually, is when someone conceded that linux distros might be slightly harder to use than windows. That told me that linux users are not just arrogant nerds hell bent on convincing you to do things their way; they are actually capable of compromise. I started talking to the person I was arguing with, and long story short, I ended up installing Ubuntu on my machine.
So here are some tips for what to do when encountered with someone who knows absolutely nothing about linux yet is convinced that it's a terrible operating system. Most people on this forum seem like really nice, reasonable and helpful people, but I know there are more than a few of you who will jump at the chance to criticize someone on their lack of knowledge.
1. Don't try to tell them that Windows/OS X is a terrible operating system. That's the equivalent of saying "No, YOUR mom!" Reversing things that way is immature and not likely to prove anything, even if Windows/Mac IS a terrible operating system. Instead, address the claim they are making: that Linux is not a good operating system [for whatever reason they believe this].
2. Do not use the term "noob". Period. It is condescending and will serve no purpose but to annoy whomever you are arguing with and make you look like a jackass.
3. Try to limit ANY technical terms to a minimum. "Linux has a superior filing system and kernel and is far more compatible across multiple domains because it supports blah blah blah blah blah" is bad. Most people don't know what a kernel is, let alone know anything about what it does or why one would be superior to another. Try using simple terms, like, "Linux is known to be more secure", or "There are a lot more options for customizing linux", or best yet, say some of the things that you personally like about your linux OS. This approach is far more likely to be comprehended by your average computer user with misconceptions about Linux.
4. Stop assuming that the person you are talking to has malware. You don't know that they have malware. They probably don't. Unless they say their computer has been showing some symptom of it, you do not have to bring it up. You can say that their computer is more likely to get malware, but assuming that the person has an infected machine without having any actual knowledge makes you seem very arrogant.
5. Limit your argument to defense. Don't try to convince someone that linux is better for every application ever, because, quite frankly, it is not. Focus on saying why you use it and like it, not why they should use it.
6. If someone shows even the slightest interest in trying linux, tell them how easy it is, and offer to help!
7. Back up what you say with some sources. People are much more likely to trust articles they read online than posts they read on a forum.
8. Control your rage. I know the feeling when someone makes a blundering, idiotic assumption about something that you are enthusiastic about, trust me. But you'll make yourself look bad and you will further the stereotype of linux users as arrogant computer jockeys if you start insulting someone.
9. If someone refuses to listen to any kind of reason, just back out. This rule could apply to any argument really.
10. Try not to bring any kind of politics into it, i.e., don't say stuff like "Well at least my operating system isn't made by a megalomaniacal corporation bent on taking total control of your system!!!" That is generally bad. That will turn people away.
When it comes down to it, just don't make it about anything except the quality of Linux software, because when it comes down to it, that is the real reason to run Linux.
This didn't make me any more likely to switch to linux. What finally did, actually, is when someone conceded that linux distros might be slightly harder to use than windows. That told me that linux users are not just arrogant nerds hell bent on convincing you to do things their way; they are actually capable of compromise. I started talking to the person I was arguing with, and long story short, I ended up installing Ubuntu on my machine.
So here are some tips for what to do when encountered with someone who knows absolutely nothing about linux yet is convinced that it's a terrible operating system. Most people on this forum seem like really nice, reasonable and helpful people, but I know there are more than a few of you who will jump at the chance to criticize someone on their lack of knowledge.
1. Don't try to tell them that Windows/OS X is a terrible operating system. That's the equivalent of saying "No, YOUR mom!" Reversing things that way is immature and not likely to prove anything, even if Windows/Mac IS a terrible operating system. Instead, address the claim they are making: that Linux is not a good operating system [for whatever reason they believe this].
2. Do not use the term "noob". Period. It is condescending and will serve no purpose but to annoy whomever you are arguing with and make you look like a jackass.
3. Try to limit ANY technical terms to a minimum. "Linux has a superior filing system and kernel and is far more compatible across multiple domains because it supports blah blah blah blah blah" is bad. Most people don't know what a kernel is, let alone know anything about what it does or why one would be superior to another. Try using simple terms, like, "Linux is known to be more secure", or "There are a lot more options for customizing linux", or best yet, say some of the things that you personally like about your linux OS. This approach is far more likely to be comprehended by your average computer user with misconceptions about Linux.
4. Stop assuming that the person you are talking to has malware. You don't know that they have malware. They probably don't. Unless they say their computer has been showing some symptom of it, you do not have to bring it up. You can say that their computer is more likely to get malware, but assuming that the person has an infected machine without having any actual knowledge makes you seem very arrogant.
5. Limit your argument to defense. Don't try to convince someone that linux is better for every application ever, because, quite frankly, it is not. Focus on saying why you use it and like it, not why they should use it.
6. If someone shows even the slightest interest in trying linux, tell them how easy it is, and offer to help!
7. Back up what you say with some sources. People are much more likely to trust articles they read online than posts they read on a forum.
8. Control your rage. I know the feeling when someone makes a blundering, idiotic assumption about something that you are enthusiastic about, trust me. But you'll make yourself look bad and you will further the stereotype of linux users as arrogant computer jockeys if you start insulting someone.
9. If someone refuses to listen to any kind of reason, just back out. This rule could apply to any argument really.
10. Try not to bring any kind of politics into it, i.e., don't say stuff like "Well at least my operating system isn't made by a megalomaniacal corporation bent on taking total control of your system!!!" That is generally bad. That will turn people away.
When it comes down to it, just don't make it about anything except the quality of Linux software, because when it comes down to it, that is the real reason to run Linux.