Should you switch to linux? Possibly not.

Matt from Rukuhia

Some of you may have heard of this thing called “linux”, and that it’s more stable, less draining to your computer and generally more secure and better to use than Windows. All of those things are true to an extent, but it has a heavy downside as well. Asides from the issue of unfamiliarity (which is a bigger issue than most computer experts like to admit), you have to be an advanced user just to install it, and to sort out problems? (and there will be problems) That’s another issue again.

In my years as a computer scientist (yes, that's an actual thing) I've never quite seen a level of general angst which is similar to that present within the Linux community. In no small way I believe this stems from its founder, Linus Torvalds, and his aversion to anything resembling sane-and-sensible confrontation. He tends to invoke shame and anger in his correspondents in equal measure, leading many to leave Linux development altogether as they fail to see the benefit of being insulted or condescended to, in exchange for their offerings of help.

This attitude is often reflected in Linux development groups across the globe, and in support communities – the idea that it doesn’t matter how you deliver the message so long as that message is correct. Recently I asked a general question about a type of software in Linux, on a forum that wasn't specifically for Linux. Several forum members responded with outright hostility, as if I'd dared to criticise their favourite thing. This was their misinterpretation; I was just asking for information. God help the innocent user that stumbles blindly into a support forum to ask a "stupid question" like "why isn't my internet working?".

And this is the principle reason I don't recommend Linux, of any sort, for non-advanced desktop or laptop users. Don't get me wrong; I'm no Microsoft or Apple fan. I dislike each, but for different reasons. The real problem with Linux isn't the software, but its userbase and culture. There are as many flavours of Linux as there are colours in the world; but they all have, to varying degrees, the same problem of community and support. And at some point, you are going to need support, and a community to advise you how to proceed or make recommendations to you.

The second reason I don't recommend Linux comes down to usage statistics. Microsoft Windows may chew through system resources for no good reason, but when you have a problem, you can bet that somewhere, someone online has had that problem too. About 82% of all desktop/laptop computers worldwide run Windows, and this makes it easier to find solutions. By contrast, if you’ve had an issue with Linux with it’s 1.45% market share, chances are you may be the only person who's ever had that problem. Even if you're not, applying the solution will require expertise and knowledge beyond that of the average desktop user.

Apple has roughly 12% market share on the desktop, but also their support system is significantly better, in part because there is no variance in hardware between apple computers like there is with PCs. So again, it can be easier to find a solution. I should note that I personally use Linux for programming and don't have a problem with it. My personal favourite flavour of Linux is Xubuntu, a no-nonsense distribution readily understood by newcomers as well as being quite quick. But as long as the Linus Torvalds of the world are in charge, I am unlikely to recommend it to anyone. Well, not if I like them.

- Matt Bentley is a computer repair guy with Waikato Home PC Support.
Email info@homepcsupport.co.nz or phone 0211348576.