The Four Different Types of Linux Users

[Michael Lauzon]

Just found the following on a forum I'm a member of, so which type of
Linux users are the members of TLUG:

"In the three years I have been using Linux as my primary operating
system I've taken note that in general there are four different types
of Linux users. Each one fits a distinct niche and it is possible to
change from one type into another over time.

"The Computer User:
This is a person that feels no emotional ties to FOSS/Linux. The
computer is a tool to get the job done and they use Linux because it
is the best tool for the job they are trying to accomplish. If Windows
or OSX was better suited for the task, then they would be using that
instead. They may have no idea of what FOSS or Linux is, they just
know their computer works when they need it to. Odds are Linux was
installed on their system by friend or relative who is a Linux
Advocate or FOSS Extremist who was tried of fixing issues that kept
popping up on Windows.

"The Dual Booter:
Typically someone who has some computer savvy about them. Odds are
they decided to give Linux a try because they just caught an
interesting article about a shiny new distro release on Digg or
because they know a Linux Advocate who recommended it. They might make
a forum post or two to try and solve an issue they are having, but
odds are if the distro doesn't "just work" they will start going on
about how Linux "isn't ready for the average user" or "will never make
it as a desktop operating system". If their Linux install does work,
they still keep Windows around because they are a "gamer" or because
they need to use a piece of Windows software that does not have a
decent FOSS/Linux alternative as of yet.

"Linux Advocate:
Someone who uses Linux because they feel it is a superior or more
stable operating environment. Typically this is someone who knows
their way around the computer a bit and isn't afraid to post on a
forum asking a question or get their hands dirty with a bit of
terminal code to get their system up and running. While they love the
power of FOSS they realize at the same time that the entire world does
not work in this manner (although it would be great if it did). They
are typically willing to use restricted codecs and closed source video
drivers to get the performance and functionality they need out of
their system. While it is not uncommon for them to recommend Linux to
their family and friends, most times they will even help them get it
setup, they realize that some people are happy with Windows and they
acknowledge this.

"FOSS Extremist:
They use Linux not only because it is fast and stable, but because it
is FOSS. They view software that is closed source as something evil
that must be conquered or changed for the good of man kind. The know
the ins and outs of their system - most times for an FOSS Extremist
the GUI is optional. If their hardware does not work right "out of the
box" on their favorite distro they are willing to spend hours pouring
over manuals and help pages to get it working. They almost constantly
preach about the evils of Windows and Apple and take every chance they
get to convert those they know to Linux or and FOSS operating system.

"Do you think I covered most Linux users here? If not let me know
other "types" of Linux users you think there are in the world. If I
did cover them all where do you fit into my four different categories?
Perhaps you are even a mix of two, personally I find myself somewhere
inbetween FOSS Extremist and Linux Advocate depending on my mood.

~Jeff Hoogland"

http://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/2010/06/four-different-types-of-linux-users.html
-- 
Sincerely,

Michael Lauzon
--
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