Sam Varghese
Tuesday, 25 November 2008 03:57
Opinion and Analysis
Page 3 of 4
It must be pointed out that even at the second stage, the Linux user realises that there are benefits aplenty to be had by being part of what is still considered a somewhat esoteric group. Hence the desire to remain within the fold. Some become spinmeisters for various FOSS projects, others become public relations people for companies that sell Linux or offer services connected to FOSS.
The third stage comes when the Linux user reaches a level of confidence that persuades him that he was a fool not to have made the decision to switch much earlier. The man is able to do anything he wants to do using his Linux system - and what he can't do he is fully prepared to do without.
He has realised that there are pros and cons - and he loves the pros of using Linux. He can do without the pros of using Windows, simply because he can't stand the cons.
A sudden change comes across the Linux user at this stage. His interest in evangelising and trying to convert people to Linux dies away. He is no longer interested in trying to persuade all and sundry to switch to Linux.
If someone does ask him about Linux, he offers balanced advice. He will help the questioner to the extent that the latter wants to be helped, thus far and no further. He is not averse to charging people a fee for doing things associated with Linux but he is careful not to overcharge.
He has gained an understanding of the deeper significance of the software he uses and tries to contribute something back. And he is happy to share what little he discovers about the system with others, mostly through the medium of the web.
This user is still conscious of the noxious presence of Windows in his environment. Occasionally, he lets fly a carefully constructed wad of sarcasm at people who continue to laud Windows. But for the most part, he lets fools indulge in their follies, no matter who they are. He is slowly moving towards stage four, that of the advanced Linux user.
