09/15/01
Linux Users
  
    In a recent article we discussed the crapiness that is Linux. Now there is a 
second aspect that we wish to discuss, Linux users. You see it's a general 
stereotype that people who use Linux are paranoid, condescending, un-accepting of 
"lesser people' and generally a bunch of asses. You see, these people use a 
"superior OS" which means they are "1337" and "more intelligent". Recent studies 
show that at least some of these stereotypes are true. Really though since a 
trait is a stereotype, it stands to reason that it gained this title through some 
sort of tried and true ritual, and that it is generally, true anyway. We have a 
few examples...
  
    Consider THIS, from a poster appropriately called "Linux_User". Not only has 
he "dumbed down" the goals of the "average" computer user, aka a Windows user, but 
he makes a claim that "Linux is the hardcore power users OS, In Linux you have 
absolute control over your hardware." Which of course when asked what he DOES with 
said absolute control we get no response. The thread just dies a few posts later. 
Ironically (like rain on a rainy day - Alanis), the thread is ABOUT the fact that 
Linux users will often make brash claims with out providing any support. Like it's 
super magical, all you have to do is metion the very word Linux and super fairies 
will pop up and dance around your computer increading it's preformance ten fold.
  
    Of course you'll never have any sort of decent software support without 
Emulating Windows, but hey, you're using the better OS here people! On another 
note, Linux users will refuse to a) accept that Linux is actually emulating Windows 
with programs such as Wine and b) will refuse to provide straight answers when 
asked to support the reasoning that one OS acting like another OS isn't emulation. 
It makes them feel more special if they refuse to accept that they still need 
Windows based software to actually be able to DO anything on thier computer.
  
    And yes Rob, propaganda certainly does drive Linux. The same sort of propaganda 
that Linux users say drives Windows. You'll never get a Linux user to accept that 
they do this though. Intellectuals such as themselves are above such petty small 
minded ideals.
  
    Not all Linux users are evil, Mike here is pretty decent, but still, this shows 
that some Linux users are at least trying to fight the stereotype. Anyway for more 
information, and first hand experience, we suggest starting with these threads.