I spend a lot of time talking to normies, and it turns out most of them have never even heard of Linux. When they ask “what’s Linux?” I answer “You know how some computers use windows and some are macs? Those are operating systems. Linux is an operating system made by communist nerds. It’s free, it’s faster and it’s not trying to steal your data, because communism is more efficient.”
I have talked to them too but they are uninterested in switched operating systems. They don’t have enough of an understanding about windows to be frustrated by it. Someone got mad because “well why don’t you just use mac if you don’t like windows?”
I guess I talk to cooler normies than you do. Many are open to change, but it won’t come overnight. They need to keep being reminded. Familiarity bias will help them overcome mental inertia. “Oh, Linux, I’ve heard of that. Maybe I should look into it…”
That’s a very fair point, my experience was very different than yours so that’s where I’m coming from. Usually though if I want to convince someone to switch I start by addressing the big concerns like compatibility, which is way more helpful. But then again that’s much easier to do when the conversation starts with the knowledge that the other party is very much aware of Linux
I’m not going to dive into explaining Wine the first time someone’s ever heard of Linux. I start with the elevator pitch where everything’s great: It’s better because anyone can contribute code, so it’s been improved by all the smartest nerds on the internet. Making your code a trade secret is an inefficient system, Linux is smarter. Simple arguments anyone can understand.
When the person thinks their own way into the problem: What do I do with all my windows apps? I give the answer: There’s an app called Proton that can run any Windows software. It’s better at running old windows software than Windows is. I’ll help you install it.
I spend a lot of time talking to normies, and it turns out most of them have never even heard of Linux. When they ask “what’s Linux?” I answer “You know how some computers use windows and some are macs? Those are operating systems. Linux is an operating system made by communist nerds. It’s free, it’s faster and it’s not trying to steal your data, because communism is more efficient.”
I have talked to them too but they are uninterested in switched operating systems. They don’t have enough of an understanding about windows to be frustrated by it. Someone got mad because “well why don’t you just use mac if you don’t like windows?”
I guess I talk to cooler normies than you do. Many are open to change, but it won’t come overnight. They need to keep being reminded. Familiarity bias will help them overcome mental inertia. “Oh, Linux, I’ve heard of that. Maybe I should look into it…”
That’s a very fair point, my experience was very different than yours so that’s where I’m coming from. Usually though if I want to convince someone to switch I start by addressing the big concerns like compatibility, which is way more helpful. But then again that’s much easier to do when the conversation starts with the knowledge that the other party is very much aware of Linux
I’m not going to dive into explaining Wine the first time someone’s ever heard of Linux. I start with the elevator pitch where everything’s great: It’s better because anyone can contribute code, so it’s been improved by all the smartest nerds on the internet. Making your code a trade secret is an inefficient system, Linux is smarter. Simple arguments anyone can understand.
When the person thinks their own way into the problem: What do I do with all my windows apps? I give the answer: There’s an app called Proton that can run any Windows software. It’s better at running old windows software than Windows is. I’ll help you install it.