Do IT professionals use Linux a lot in their work?

[courtneyking1990]

Before I switched over to Ubuntu from Windows, I was talking to my boyfriend about it. He's an IT professional, I'm not too sure what he does but I know it involves servers and troubleshooting. He didn't really think it was a good idea and kept talking about how I would have a lot of trouble with compatibility and how I'd have a steep learning curve. I was learning how to do a little programming in Python in an effort to learn more about computers (and a desire to share his interests) and he told me that if I ever did make a program, I'd be expected to give it away since everything is open-source and that since it had such a low market share it really isn't worth most developer's time. He seemed kinda down on Linux and it surprised me since I thought that IT professionals and computer-enthusiasts would really big fans of Linux since it lets you do and learn so much more than Windows.

Anyways, I wondering if any IT professionals (or computer-enthusiasts) use Linux in their work. Sorry if this question is dumb :(.

[pqwoerituytrueiwoq]

sounds like your bf has not tried linux on a desktop is about a decade
BTW there is proprietary software for linux
you can also make server side software and charge annually or something for using your service (i suggest a free and pro version)

i wonder how long it would take him to realize if you ran a windows theme on a linux system how long it would take him to realize it, sure he will after 10 min unless he just goes on the Internet

i have been doing some volunteer work and i am using ubuntu there (unity desktop)
there is only one way i am going to use windows as a primary OS and that is if i am getting paid to

[Bucky Ball]

Many IT professionals make a living from the idosyncrasies and anomalies of Win and Apple, and the ignorance of their users. Why would they talk up Linux? If it 'just worked', many would be out of a job.

If you write a program you can sell it to whomever you like. Your BF, like a lot of Win diehards, is creating and disseminating FUD in their effort to tow the line. Good luck.

[carl4926]

Before I switched over to Ubuntu from Windows, I was talking to my boyfriend about it. He's an IT professional, I'm not too sure what he does but I know it involves servers and troubleshooting. He didn't really think it was a good idea and kept talking about how I would have a lot of trouble with compatibility and how I'd have a steep learning curve. I was learning how to do a little programming in Python in an effort to learn more about computers (and a desire to share his interests) and he told me that if I ever did make a program, I'd be expected to give it away since everything is open-source and that since it had such a low market share it really isn't worth most developer's time. He seemed kinda down on Linux and it surprised me since I thought that IT professionals and computer-enthusiasts would really big fans of Linux since it lets you do and learn so much more than Windows.

Anyways, I wondering if any IT professionals (or computer-enthusiasts) use Linux in their work. Sorry if this question is dumb :(.

This is a strange and to me, somewhat contrived question.
FYI: Some people just don't get it. Enjoy the freedom you have found.


how I'd have a steep learning curveI'd agree. But so what.

You received free, give free.

[LastDino]

The only IT users I know, personally use custom made penetrating distro and server editions of both open and paid versions of Linux, depending on their and their job needs.
Example; Open-sourced: Kali and Paid: Red Hat.

The only reason they ever use Windows is because they are pretty much dependent on troubleshooting Windows PC's to make an extra buck. You will never find a Linux PC in their workshops, unless of course, they are on project for some small company/organization which likes the idea of having something like Ubuntu PC's for office and student use, as it suffices their needs and it also saves the trouble of paying fines against raids by anti-piracy people, which is needless to say, a blessing in disguise.

I'm not mentioning Apple as I know very very few people who actually ever bought it, like less than half a dozen. That is far less than the people I know who use Linux on their home desktop. :p

[monkeybrain20122]

IT professional is a very broad term. Some guys who use one proprietary program for 20 years are considered "IT professionals" in some circles and they have no clue about anything else. I know such people. :)

[/ADM]

IT Professional is a very broad generalization. But I use Linux everyday in my work and I love it.

As for Linux on the Desktop.. I have my laptop right here and it is running Ubuntu 14.04 perfectly right from the first install, audio, wifi, ethernet, graphics, touchpad, function keys, standby, sleep etc.. all work perfectly.

Seems either he does not like Linux or he just uses a server-side version and has never touched a Linux desktop since 2000.

If you want to learn Python, Ubuntu is perfect. It has PyGTK and Python installed as-standard, so you can start right away creating console or GUI-based programs. And you don't need to give it away for free.

[Karlchen]

Anyways, I wondering if any IT professionals (or computer-enthusiasts) use Linux in their work.An unambiguous yes, some do from my side. Hm, I do. ;)
Yet, I admit in our IT department, too, there is the Windows party who would never touch a Linux system for good reasons, for bad reasons or for no reason at all, and the Linux party.
As far I can tell most people who reject the idea of using Linux on their desktop or their notebook have either never touched any Linux system at all or their judgement is based on some bad experience they made 10 years ago.
It is very easy cultivating your own prejudices against Linux, because you do not have to use it, whereas in most companies you cannot avoid using Windows. So you get used to it. You start thinking operating systems simply must be like Windows. Linux is different, so it must be bad.
IT professionals should know better. If they don't, then start wondering whether they are really IT professionals and which part in this term does not apply to them, IT or professional or neither of the two. ;)

Cheers,
Karl
System administrator for the past few decades

[robin7]

Linux absolutely dominates the server market. But not the desktop / laptop market. If he does his work with servers, he may only be familiar with Linux on servers, not the desktop versions of Linux. If he conflates the two, it's no wonder he advised against it. Perhaps he imagines only the command line interface.

He's right about the compatibility thing, though. The newest Linux kernel works on a very wide range of hardware, but manufacturers don't usually have Linux in mind when they write drivers for their sound cards, monitors, video cards, printers, and etc. Most Linux users look for Linux-compatible hardware when shopping for new stuff, but probably had some issues with their hardware running Linux in the past. Your mileage, as they say, may vary. But I bet your boyfriend will be surprised at how cool desktop Linux has become!

[courtneyking1990]

Thanks for the answers everyone!

@Robin7: This is probably why. At his day to day job he works with Windows servers, his freelancing is mostly dealing with Windows, and of course his own systems are Windows. Plus he's a gamer (takes is very seriously) and I know Linux is still trying to catch up when it comes to gaming.

@Karlchen: Maybe I should get him to try it out on my computer. Make him one of ussssss......

@abilbrou: That's why I love it. I thought I would have a lot of trouble setting up. I really need to refresh what little knowledge of Python I have. I was doing well but life got in the way. Ubuntu is a great programming platform though.

@Carl: Don't know why you'd think that, we did talk about using a different OS when I told him I wanted to try my hand at programming. We exist, I promise. ;)

[tgalati4]

It's time for a new operating system.

[Old_Grey_Wolf]

It depend on the exact job that the IT professional has.

In Texas (as seen in your profile) you will find some very large companies that use a lot of Linux. Before I retired, I was a manager at a large Texas company. On the last program, about 90% of our servers ran Linux and 50% of our desktops ran Linux. On that program there were 20 system admins, and 2 of those had limited themselves to only Microsoft Windows administration.

[boyo1991]

IMO.. as an IT guy, linux is more of an enthusiasts thing in one area. enthusiast user end people. however, about 99% of all servers are running linux these days. Thats to go without mentioning mobile technologies which have beeen taking over everything these days. Android is very much linux. Some enthusiasts disagree becouse of proprietary software, touch screen elements, among others. I personally think if you agree with those enthusiasts, you must live in a cave, each distro of linux has so much modifications on it these days that it really doesnt matter.

My personal thought is that you must simply find the OS that works for you. None are really linux, because I run ubuntu, or android, or ect. It came from a linux background sure, but it does not matter. Give credit and recognition of innovation where it is due. It is not the almighty linux kernel, its google, its conanical. computer programming has always been a state of sharing. most linux distros just dont deviate too far from the original kernel :P

anywho, i wont rant anymore, i may sound assanine, if i do, disregard this post lol

[Habitual]

He seemed kinda down on Linux and it surprised me since I thought that IT professionals and computer-enthusiasts would really big fans of Linux since it lets you do and learn so much more than Windows. yeah, he does sound "down on Linux", perhaps from personal experience? Or he's bored with his job? Not challenged enough? Something!

If I were you and had your motivation, I charge head on and install Linux, learn python, upgrade boyfriend, write software you are happy to write.

OK, maybe not upgrade boyfriend, but he certainly sounds like he needs a reboot.
Don't let his demeanor, attitude, or opinion about Linux stymie your motivation.

Who knows, maybe even he will be inspired?

On the other hand, as an IT professional with over 20 years in IT, I use Linux all day, every day.
If it wasn't for Windows, I'd be out of work.