Unnecessary Fanboys ( or, As The Pendulum Swings)

I use MS Windows. It's true. I use it almost daily. Truthfully, I don't have that much trouble using it.

I was originally trained using Novell Netware.

I have used Apple Mac to a pretty good extent.

Been known to work on a 'pure' Unix system or two as well.

I use Linux every single day at home and at work.

I find there are pros and cons for every OS and the associated software that runs on them.

Do I find that I prefer one over the others? Yes, I prefer Linux.

Does that mean that I must run to the highest hills and shout to all the world that only Linux is worth using?

Shall I stand on street corners telling people to never use Windows or they are less than wonderful people?

Fanboys of any type are obnoxious and annoying. It doesn't matter what OS or distro they root for.

The very fact that anyone feels the need to engage in "My OS is better than yours is" or "OS Whatever sucks sour milk!" shows a lack of maturity and ability to behave in an intelligent manner.

Of course, there are discussions to be had on the merits and detractors of various OS's and systems. Reasoned, calm, fact based discussion can only help an OS or distro become better.

These folks aren't talking about reasoning or skilled debate though. It's all about who can shout louder or wave the biggest foam finger.

It also shows that one is more concerned about what others think about the software and systems they are using rather than focusing on what meets the need of the user him or her self.

They are sheep. Being led by other sheep who can't be happy unless they are part of a crowd.

A distro is no good unless it has so many raver points on "distro measuring.com'?

If there aren't at least 3,000 other people who have said something is ok, then it must not be OK and one should jeer at it publicly until one fine day, there are the magic number of folks using it or giving it points and now it is magically worthy of your time.

Fanboys follow the pendulum of public opinion. In many cases, trying to see if they can, by the sheer use of ranting and raving in public, influence the swing.

The last thing Linux or any other OS needs is a fanboy.

Save your fanaticism for football or baseball or soccer. This is computers people. As long as it is working for the user and meeting the needs, it is good enough and they can be productive.

Now, for those who are not fans of corporate monopolies and criminal behavior, that's fine. But, that is another discussion. it is the company that produces the OS you have a problem with, not the OS itself. Keep it straight.

If you do have a problem with the OS iself, write a letter or email to the maintainers of it. Try to help them know what needs to be fixed.

If that isn't good enough, just something else.

If you make a decision to use an OS based on " All my Star Wars buddies online decided that the wallpapers for OS Whatever are sexier than other OS wallpapers, so we all changed to that." Well, you are to be pitied more than taken seriously.

For those who want an exclusive about Linux, here it is...

Linux is not about beating another distro or being better than another OS.

It is about using a computer the way you want to use it. Using Free and OpenSource tools to accomplish usability and customization and 'ownership' that you might not get using something else.

Linux doesn't care about Windows or Mac or any other. It is what it is and will grow and adapt as it's development and user communities see fit.

No hoottin ' and hollerin' necessary.

No flamewars or "my dog is better than your dog" comments required.

Just use what is best for you and leave everyone else alone.

( This opinion is brought to you by our new sponsors at: the Society for a Reality Conscious World)