What can Linux do that Windows can't?

[Seren]

TechieMoe, I agree with you on the whole, but you don't know what this guy's friends are like. They could be technically minded people who would really benefit from using Linux, but haven't heard enough about it, haven't had the chance to try it, or haven't crossed a "switchover threshold." Two of my roommates are great examples of this; they'd both benefit greatly from Linux, but they don't have the proper incentive to use it. I showed one a lot of cool things that can be done with it, and he switched. I'm still working on the other. But do I stand on the street corner, handing out LiveCDs or knock on doors with a Linux book in my hand, saying "Have you heard the word of Linus Torvalds?" No, I don't. My goal isn't for Linux to take over the world; it's to get Linux to the people who could make good use of it.

Javasnob, if I'm "this guy" that you're referring to, you're right on target about the people I talk to about Linux. They're more technically minded than the majority, though they generally don't have tech jobs, they want to learn more about technology and are up for a challenge. They just want to know if Linux would be interesting enough to them to make the effort of getting into it worth their while.

[fingal]

Javasnob, if I'm "this guy" that you're referring to, you're right on target about the people I talk to about Linux. They're more technically minded than the majority, though they generally don't have tech jobs, they want to learn more about technology and are up for a challenge. They just want to know if Linux would be interesting enough to them to make the effort of getting into it worth their while.

That's me too: tech minded (amongst other things) but not an IT professional. Several years ago I would have loved some friendly guru to show me Linux, how to install it and give me an introduction to it. I've never joined a LUG, but for me it's about learning. I love to find out new things ... that's partly what keeps life interesting.

I know people are trying Linux locally, but I never meet any real enthusiasts. I suppose it's still unacceptable to say, 'I like computers'. It gets met with the same kind of response as you might get if you said, 'I sacrifice goats at midnight and pray to Odin.' It's not going to change ...

I think the whole idea of community is very important (at least to me). It's great to feel part of something positive to which we can all contribute in some way. Life doesn't always present those opportunities, but I love the whole principle of open source. Does Windows present the same thing? Not without buying into a different mindset which I don't have.

[zba78]

I've never joined a LUG, but for me it's about learning. I love to find out new things ... that's partly what keeps life interesting.

I know people are trying Linux locally, but I never meet any real enthusiasts. ...

Are there any active LUG's near us? I know there were a few before but they seem rather dormant now.

Then again in the current climate if we met up to talk about linux somewhere Mi5 would probably have us arrested under some counter-terrorism act. That is, of course, if the home office/police haven't leaked our 'underworld LUG' before then

Of course, if you look anything like your avatar It's probably best we kept our friendship purely virtual (not that I'm any oil painting mind)

[fingal]

Are there any active LUG's near us? I know there were a few before but they seem rather dormant now.

Yes there's one in South Birmingham. Linky ... I used to be on their mailing list, but too much flaming went on. I think the regulars are friendly though.

Of course, if you look anything like your avatar It's probably best we kept our friendship purely virtual (not that I'm any oil painting mind)

I had to laugh at that. I'm told I 'look Scandanavian'. Around 5'11", blue eyes, red/blonde hair. Not really small and green after all.

[Roxoff]

...
Of course, if you look anything like your avatar It's probably best we kept our friendship purely virtual (not that I'm any oil painting mind)

Yeah, but if he looked like his avatar, it wouldn't matter how far away you were, he could kill you in an instant using the Force; and he wouldn't because he'd be a Jedi Master and doing that kind of thing gets you a black mark (i.e. 12 pts and a ban) on your Jedi License...