We just hired a linux admin. She doesn't like and doesn't want linux on her Windows personal laptop??? Says she has worked in Linux for years, more on other distros. She did load a file system and edited the system so that a second nic card is recognized yet she cannot get the card to work for the backups. I had to suggest for her to ask in forums for the answer of how to get the nic to work and be recognized/utilized. I think she only got the job cause of clearance. No one who "loves" Unix/Linux doesn't want it as a second boot or main system. Are there any LINUX ADMINS WHO ARE NOT NECK DEEP IN THEIR OS'es? I freakin love Unix/Linux?

Why do i find this strange?

Ain't nothing wrong with leaving your work at work.

About 10 years ago I had an Internet friend who administrated Linux professionally, but he hated it and he was a big Windows person. I'm not his friend anymore, but that doesn't mean he couldn't do his job.

I find it strange as well, but there is a userbase who firmly believes that unix is "for servers" and Windows is for desktop. Other people just can't be bothered to make even the smallest effort to tweak an OS, and since Linux requires installation and, in some cases, adjustments to configurations, and Windows comes pre-installed and mostly pre-configured (if you're not the type to care), so people default to the "obvious".

I don't understand it, but I've definitely seen it. Heck, at my current job every employee uses Linux ALL DAY. Hundreds, *thousands* of people. And most of them go home to Windows or Mac. I just can't fathom it.

Sorry, I have to say this.

Did you hire this person??? If not then mind your own business. Unless your job description is to monitor their work then the persons work should be between them and management.

So if it is your job to hire and fire then why did you hire this person?

End of rant.

I used to work at a big computer company that had so many fantastically talented folks but they did seem to have so many that didn't know squat. Never did figure out how that ever happens.

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Until recently I was a Windows SysAdmin, so definitely can see what she's about. I hate Windows, but it was a way to pay the bills. I used it at work, supported it at work, but once I walked out the door, could care less about it.

What's "strange" is her personal laptop on your network.
That's what I find "strange".
</opinion>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7O0MFkmpw

Re 'personal laptop':

1. could just be badly/loosely phrased; it may just mean the laptop given to her by the company for work, especially if they expect her to be on call at home.
2. Some companies are into BYOD https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_your_own_device ; its the trendy thing.

In general, some people do just treat it as a job; nothing wrong with that. Work/Life balance and all that...

Some distros don't make great desktops systems; I actually use Centos, but I'm just strange that way
A lot of user oriented (GUI) apps are only or primarily released on MSWin or OS/X ...
Can also relate to compatibility with friends/relatives who wouldn't have Linux systems (especially apps).

If this person is competent, what's the big deal?

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Yes, plenty, myself included.

So far of the 10+ that I've either hired or worked directly with only 2 or 3 of them have requested a linux desktop.

True if it is her personal laptop, then she got a choice. Ask her if she want a Linux VM LOL

Did you hire this person??? If not then mind your own business.

I agree with the above statement, if the OP don't have the right to monitor or it's not his/her duty to check the other person, then leave her alone.

Sometimes I agree with hire for attitude and train for skill.

That's where the rubber meets the road IMO.
Could be some hella admins out there on tablets or my_toaster_has_wifi.localhost.
I haz little imagination being stuck in terminal all day, every day.
Windows: We/I may never run out of work.

I was using Thin net back in the "day" and Citrix proved to be some cutting edge stuff.
I ran Windows' apps for my "crew" that only ran Linux.

She may be just getting started...
Competence and confidence go a long way.
I got pretty far using "I don't know, but I can find out."

Maybe she wants to <gasp> "convert to Linux"?
Hard to tell who's who and what's what sometimes.

Cut her some slack.
Not everyone is married to their OS like you, and I and a couple of others.

"When you point your finger at someone, there are four fingers pointing back at you!"

If someone seems to be struggling, graciously offer to help, or to be a "sounding board" for a question or an idea, or "a second pair of eyes." If the offer is declined, just-as-graciously go your way with a friendly smile.

Whatever you do, preserve that person's pride. "They will not allow you to hear them scream," but they will scream nonetheless, and you have (so to speak ...) "sinned against them." Being supportive, helpful, and courteous goes a long way.

I concur with the question as to whether or not the person is effective at their job. The details of her personal life should not be in question, and certainly not something to rant about in a public forum.

I suspect that this is a middle ground where the person has knowledge, however is also stubborn as to how they approach their job by way of saying "Not my job. I don't do that."

(1) That type of person will never work with me
(2) I don't work at places where you have to lawyer it all up so very much that nothing gets done