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Is Linux Ready For The Average User?
By: Rodney Sellers
Expert Author
2009-12-30
Most people ask if Linux is ready to compete with Windows. To me, that is not the correct question to ask. This implies that Linux is trying to go after the average user. The problem with the generic term of "average user" is that it means different things for different people. To a Linux user, an "average user" is probably a hacker, programmer, or system administrator. To a Mac user, the "average user" may be a musician, artist, or web designer. To someone who works or has worked on a help desk, has a very different perspective of what an "average user" is.
The reason why different groups have different perspectives on what the "average user" is, is because the groups each have to deal with on a daily basis. A typical Linux user deals with other Linux users. Most are in the IT field. Mac users are the same. They generally deal with other Mac users. The reason why I added those who work on help desks is because they get calls from all the users. They have to deal with the day to day goings on with the "average users".
If you have ever called a help desk before, you have been asked if you have rebooted the computer and to check the cables. Before I worked on a help desk, I found it insulting that I was being asked if I performed simple troubleshooting. The reason why they ask this is because the last 12 people they talked to didn't. I found this out the hard way.
When I first started in IT, I worked as a help desk technician. I would assume that people performed simple troubleshooting steps. I found out very quickly that they wouldn't even check to make sure the computer was powered on. Most people would call in if the screen didn't come on when they moved the mouse. If they say they rebooted it, it means they turned the monitor off then back on. They never believe anything the person on the phone says because 99% of the people that called before you didn't do any troubleshooting.
So now the "average user" isn't so average anymore. When you ask the question "Is Linux ready for the "average user"?" the answer you get is going to vary widely depending on the "average user" that is in the mind of the person you are talking to. To those who already use Linux, they can't see why it's not ready. Mac users having a different perspective would answer probably not, because of the lack of software they are accustomed to use. To a help desk technician, the answer would be no, because they have enough trouble dealing with windows/mac issues. They really don't want to throw Linux issues into the mix.
About the Author:
Rodney Is A Staff Writter for iEntry.
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