Ron Schenone

Linux – I Already Knew About This ‘Dirty Little Secret’

Posted by on Aug 17, 2009 | 7 Comments

I just read an article about what the author described as the ‘dirty little secret’ about Linux. It isn’t about some dark secret hidden in the Linux code, rather it is Linux users themselves and how they treat new Linux users. I have tried various Linux distributions during the past decade, many which I have enjoyed using. But I do have to agree with the author that some Linux fan-boys are just plain rude when it comes to answering questions by those who are new to Linux. This is not true of every forum, take the Linux forum at Scot’s Newsletter. They have a crew who actually care and will help people who are first time users of Linux.

But according to Nillaybite this is the exception to the rule:

Some Linux users want to keep it “pure”, which means that anybody who isn’t already a hard-core geek will be mocked and ridiculed mercilessly for asking simple questions. Now this is definitely not true of every Linux forum out there, but if you’re thinking of trying Linux, you should be prepared to be derided as a “n00b” at least once or twice.

One of the main reasons that I ended up using Ubuntu is that I found their support forums friendly and helpful, and they’re not afraid to incorporate proprietary software in order to make it easier for you to use. On the other end of the spectrum was Fedora, a very polished and pretty operating system apparently designed for the elite open source geek. I found their forums very unfriendly and unhelpful, and as a result switched to another distribution within a few days because I simply was not able to get the help that I needed.

If a movement such as Linux/open source isn’t growing, it’s slowly dying. So if we want Linux around for the future, we need to make sure it’s growing. And the only way that can happen is if we welcome new users with open arms, even if they are computer novices. In the end you’re only hurting yourself by chasing away new users.

Open source software should be the epitome of “open”, which includes the need to be welcoming to all. And if you’re getting too many “stupid questions” about your software, maybe you should look at revamping it with the end user in mind.

But I have a question for those who read this. What has been your experience with Linux forums?

Comments welcome.

Source.

  • Tom

    I have found that at ubuntuforums.org they are very friendly and take time to help new users, Also granular linux (granularlinux.com) are very friendly

    I dont know what forums your talking about because Ive never come across a nasty one like of which you say

  • lucas

    i started understandin linux after goin to irc chats and ubuntu forums, they tough me everything i know about linux

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/leftystrat leftystrat

    Yes, there are ill-behaved linux fanboys. There are ill-behaved Windows fanboys and Mac fanboys too. Have you read many articles on them? I wonder what the percentages are, relatively speaking.

    As a whole, I find people pretty helpful online. As for my linux experience, it has been 100% positive.

    NilliVanilli is disingenuous.

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  • http://bonatakis.blogspot.com j0ni

    i live in Greece and my distribution is fedora. but i have used ubuntu and suse too.So here there are many LUGs that i used to take help and advices. i agree that ubuntu forum or forums are more friendly than other. But new users must know at first they have to be perseveranced, how and where they go to look for. i want to say they have to try by themselves to figure out solutions. this is the way to start. when you make a “silly” question, experienced users automatically they know if you have searched for this or if you want the easy way. there is big support for every one who really interesting. friends, irc, forum, lugs, blogs so…

  • Exothermic Reaction

    I use Gentoo, and have found their forums friendly and helpful. I regularly read the new posts at their forum and try to help when possible.

    The only thing that I do see that may turn off a Linux newbie is the occasional snipe at newbies for not searching the forums before asking for help with common problems. The gentoo forum regulars are good about providing the link to the prior content.

    I understand that people who are new to Linux may have a hard time knowing what to ask and know what applies to their circumstance.

    Exo

  • http://www.clockworkpc.com.au Alexander

    I have found Ubuntu and Linux Mint forums to be incredibly helpful, as well as Gentoo, Puppy, DSL, and many others. I have never come across any nastiness to new users. I am more inclined to believe that passion and a lack of precision in self-expression probably account for most of the perceived rudeness in linux forums. I suspect that if there are unwelcoming Linux fanboys, their numbers are dwindling in the face of mushrooming distros like Ubuntu.

    Besides if a bit of push and shove is the price for not having to deal with the slap in the face of Windows or Apple as a host OS, I’m more than happy to endure it. I use Linux Mint and Ubuntu and have the greatest respect for all the distros out there.