As a new Linux user for about 2 years now I feel obliged to give a heads up to prospective new Linux users about the subversive tactics employed by a proprietary software giant we all know. This giant company is feeling the heat of large corporate users migrating to Linux and now with Dell offering opensource in its Desktop product line, this large proprietary software firm MUST rely on their long history of dispensing FUD about the opensource movement. Remember, this corporation is really a world class public relations master first and foremost, and what better way to disseminate FUD than to deliver carefully choreographed sideswipes at opensource disguised as "help"?

By and large, most forums including this one have helped immensely in my migration from the Windows world to opensource and I am now completely reliant on GNU / Linux for my day to day business needs.

However, there are a few Linux forums out there that upon closer inspection, leave the distinct impression that they are dispensing FUD disguised as "help". For the new linux user here are some tips to help keep you aware about the true intentions of any random Linux forum:

If the Windows vs Linux thread in a forum is constantly in play and the other threads relating to actual help haven't had a post in 3 months - red flag

If there are only a handful of repeat members who are "reviewing" distros AND their reviews "seem" to suggest that Linux has some nice features, but just isn't ready - red flag.

Some of these reviews are very well written in that they don't outright bash Linux and they appear to be fair and balanced, but they always leave the reader with the impression that maybe the new user should wait until linux matures - red flag

There are a number of domain registration databases. Find out who the owner or webmaster of the site is. Google this owner or webmaster and the name of the giant proprietary software company in the search text box with a "+" between them. You may be amazed at the red flag you come up with

This does not necessarily include Linux forums with advertising by the proprietary software giant. Some of them have to rely on that revenue stream.

This determination CANNOT be based on a few sporadic visits to the forum in question, or by any single one of the aforementioned red flags alone. But if, over time your gut tells you that the general tone is not beneficial to the opensource movement AND several of the above red flags are evident, consider removing them off your help list and warn others of your suspicions.

Conversely, please be alert to forum threads and members who make unrealistic promises about migration to any OS, including GNU / Linux. There is a learning curve no matter how you slice it or dice it.

Hope this helps a Linux newb

Sometimes I suggest to new users to wait...not because linux is not yet mature but because these users are npt yet mature. And I saw this kind of suggestions by other members here. Is this FUD? Would you put a red flag also in these cases?

I think we must emphasise how good linux is, but we should be aware that for some users there is no reason to migrate (e.g. "I use pc only for gaming", "I don't want to learn bash commands", etc.)

I absolutely agree that there are some zealots and distros that are resorting to outlandish tactics to promote their product (Linux will wash your car and raise your kids) , but you may have missed my point. As mentioned, these things have to be taken "in totality". IF several or all of these red flags are present concurrently, you may rest assured that the website in question DOES NOT have opensource best interests at heart.

With todays proliferation of live cds and their inherent safety, there is NO reason to be afraid of Linux. Nowhere in my post did I suggest that anyone with a small, medium or large business should migrate sensitive data on a "whim".

Just warning newbies not to allow subtle negative influences to keep them from giving it a go.

Intersting thoughts. No questions, though. Moving it to General
for that very reason.


Cheers,
Tink