I went to a Linux User Group (LUG) last night to meet up with some fellow ‘techies’ and have a natter (I always leave feeling thick!!). Most of the guys who go only use Linux but some like myself are exposed to both Linux, Windows, and in some cases Mac, in our daily lives. If I had said I thought Windows was superior in any way to Linux I would have got shot down immediately. It is not only Linux users who are like this (not all mind you). I have had numerous ‘discussions’ with fellow IT ‘techs’ who say that they will never use Linux in any way due to it ‘being shit’ and it is only for ‘techies’. Windows all the way for these guys.
Now I would never say that one operating system is definitely superior to the others but instead I would say that it depends on the situation. For example if you need a file server for your office then take a look at Linux (in my case either Ubuntu or Debian). For sharing printers I would say go with Windows (due to availability of print drivers) and if you want graphics then go and get a Mac (I can see the appeal of a Mac but they are overpriced for me). I could go on and on citing examples but I think you get the point. However I seem to be in the minority.
Being an IT Engineer when faced with a problem I will use all the available tools at my disposal to fix it. For example I use Linux Live CD’s to recover data from broken Windows installations while I always carry around (now) a wireless adapter that works on both Linux and Windows systems. I even have a password cracker (Ophcrack – Linux based) which is very handy when Windows users have forgotten their passwords (non domain)
For me to limit myself to one OS would be foolish as I would be cutting myself off from tools I could use to help my customers. Windows, Linux or Mac based I don’t really care as long as it does what I need it to do!!
So what do you think? Are you are purist or someone who likes to dabble in the dark side?
About the Author
Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling. For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.
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I am like you. I like to tinker with multiple OSs if I can get my hands on them. I “love” linux too much to mess with windows. It is safe to say, I unlearned it. With the power of virtualizatioin, the sky is the limit. Though, I wish I owned a Mac.
It is nice to know I am not alone!!
I am in complete agreement with your assessment Chris! I have experienced the exact same types of responses, but in a company that uses all three, we’ve seen the benefits of not pigeon-holing ourselves into single solutions for everything.