The Lost Coder: entry

I’m writing this post specifically for all the people on StumbleUpon who instantly flag anything and everything Linux related. This is just for you, because I can tell you’re feeling left out of the crowd whenever others give a thumbs up or a positive comment about Linux. It’s okay.. we all still love you regardless of your grumpy disposition.

Why People Use Linux

I know it’s easier to find fault in something before you even try it. I also know that it’s all too easy to just follow the herd and proliferate an established stereotype for the people that do something that you don’t understand.

Let’s get some basic facts established:

1. Linux is free.
2. People like free.
3. People like using their computers.

From this basic cluster of common sense facts, we come to the first point; there are people out there in this big crazy world who like using a free operating system on their computer. Ok, that’s a no-brainer. Let’s move on and have a look at the types of people that use computers and look for any glaring differences:

1. Cool people and total geeks use Windows.
2. Cool people and total geeks use Mac.
3. Cool people and total geeks use Linux.

Ok so from these points I bring up the next conclusion; no one is better than another just because of their choice in operating system. That point is important, so please remember it for later. There might be a test.

Each Has Their Role

Macs get commonly associated with multimedia production ranging from graphic design, music composition to full blown 3D animation, but is recently coming into their own in terms of gaming or office use. Windows gets associated with being the only real gaming choice, and is also capable of multimedia production and is defacto in offices for daily tasks. Linux is most commonly noted for being the best choice for programming and/or web site hosting, however, has been in the role of high end multimedia production, can communicate around the office just fine and has a gaming crowd as well.

From that paragraph it sounds like each operating system is technically capable of doing what the others are doing, but some have strengths over others. Would you use a Ferrari to tow a yacht to the pier? How about a dump truck to race F1 Formula cars? It all depends on what the user needs their computer to do. And the “free” part of this is always appealing to a large number of people.

The Mind Of A Linux User

To understand the appeal and growing numbers of Windows/Mac converts coming over to Linux to either have a taste of completely settle in, you have to understand some caveats to a Linux users perception of life and computing:

• The prior operating system they used might have limited their professional life in some way.
• The field of work they want to go into requires Linux knowledge and use.
• They feel shafted by Microsoft and their business model.
• They feel like they are being herded around by Mac’s less than open architecture.
• The idea of being a part of a community forming an operating system or computing environment catered to the average person is very appealing.
• It’s fucking free. You don’t have to steal it via torrent, burn it from a friend, “borrow” a copy from work, etc etc.

The User Experience

Each operating system has eye candy. Each has their own way of presenting files. Each has the ability to modded to whatever you like. Ultimately, it’s up to you what you want. The things that matter most at the end of the day are usually:

• Time it took to boot up the system
• Time and system resources it takes to open programs without the system coming to a crawl
• How well it interacts with the internet in terms of protection, speed and reliability
• If you had to pay money or resort to stealing software to get what you want
• All the software and hardware play nice and don’t lock up your system to the point of no return
• Time it takes to shut off the system and not have to wait to make sure it actually shuts down

Those are pretty much the core things I can think of off the top of my head that will make or break a user experience on any computer, regardless of operating system or system specs. Windows Vista modestly suggested everyone in the whole god damned world should upgrade their systems to enjoy their new offering. Nevermind that people are paying them for something, and they should be more accommodating to the ones dumping out money to keep them in business.

Mac users are usually pretty content with the hardware they’re supplied with, and can upgrade.. but only to a certain extent due to their lack of drivers. I personally have respect for this model because it does ensure more reliability for their users. But it does seem kind of inflexible…

Linux works great on older systems, commonly bringing old computers out of retirement, while providing a fast operating system that looks nice and flows smoothly. Newer computers benefit the most, but it’s not a necessity to get the most out of the system. Oh and then there’s the issue of eye candy. For example, like this system. To make it fair though, here’s Windows Vista vs. a Linux desktop with Compiz running. The song in this video is lame, sorry.

StumbleUpon Users - The Conclusion

Get my point here? When you guys show up on StumbleUpon saying that only crusty freaky ass geeks use Linux, you’re dead wrong on that one. Besides, do you want everyone doing the same exact thing and not thinking outside of the box? What would that do to the creative process to invent new technology? What about the right of choice?