Six types of Linux users you wouldn't like to deal with...

Linux is a community. Whoever hears of GNU/Linux has heard that. One big difference between Linux and Windows is the sense of identity that Linux creates. Some Linux users view GNU/Linux as a political movement, others as an economic one, and others as a personal one, which is fine. However, as in all communities, there are individuals that instead of contributing, work against the group and tend to turn outsiders against the good members of the group. Here are a few types of such Linux users I've come to identify:

1- The Linux-Supremacy pusher:

This type will die before acknowledging advantages of other Operating Systems. For him/her, Linux is the only OS worthy of existing and this type's only reason to live is destroying Windows. The problem with this Linux fan is that he/she offends and belittles Windows users, which turns many of them against Linux before even trying it.

2. The anti-capitalist freak:


For this Linux user, software is merely a political stand and nothing else counts. Whoever uses privative software is a servant of the evil machinery that enslaves the working class. The main problem of this type is his/her failure to recognize that most computer users don't view computing as a political activity; for them a computer is just a a tool for work or leisure as a hammer or a tennis racket would be. Thus, most people will view this type of Linux fan as a victim of an imaginary conspiracy and won't take his/her ideas seriously, even if they are true.

3. The Give-me-freebies Linux user:

This Linux user scoffs at those who use MacOSX or Windows. Whoever pays for an Operating System is a sucker and a total loser. This type loves the word "free"; not as in "freedom" but as in "free beer." They won't give a penny or lift a finger to support developers, either. With that attitude, they contribute more to the death of free software than even Microsoft.

4. The Selfish Linux user:

This user loves the feeling of being able to rescue systems, cleaning viruses, and doing things that the average Windows user wouldn't even imagine possible. However, instead of sharing this valuable knowledge, he/she uses Linux as a tool to acquire status, so sharing or teaching is out of the question. As in the comic strip above, that attitude contradicts totally the spirit of Free Software.

5. The MY-DISTRO Troll

This type is even more dangerous than the Linux-Supremacy Pusher. This one not only insults Windows and Mac users, but also all other Linux distros as well. For him/her, THE Linux is only his/her distribution and all others are pure junk. This troll fails to understand that a Windows or Mac user is just seeing Linux against Linux. Who would like to step into a group in which the same members bite and kill themselves? Microsoft is simply delighted with this troll's job.

6. The Ashamed Linux user:

This type is the opposite of the MY DISTRO one. He or she came into the Linux world because of lack of monetary resources. He/she views Free Software with embarrassment and often feels belittled when Windows users or Mac users show the capabilities of their OS. Basically, his/her attitude is like "I'm sorry I use Linux...if that causes you any inconvenience, please forgive me." He/she indirectly sends the message that Free Software is inferior than privative software, which certainly is NOT true. Free software is great and is nothing to be ashamed of. With GNU/Linux, individuals have the freedom to go anywhere they want: It's your computer, it's your destination!