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Common arguments against GNU/Linux

  • Linux sucks
    • Oh, why is that precisely? (the goal is to engage conversation. There must be a reason why they say that; otherwise, you can just reply something along the lines of "So does every operating system out there when you don't back up your argument")
  • Linux is ugly
    • See "Linux sucks"
    • Technically, Linux is not a graphical user interface, it is just the software that allows other pieces of software to talk to your computer hardware.
  • I can void my warranty
    • this is actually a quite valid argument. Some warranties will be voided if you install anything else besides Windows XP or Vista. Even salesmen pretend to be outraged by this.
    • if you are still unsure, ask yourself these questions:
      • isn`t it suspicious?
      • why not giving separate warranty for software and hardware?
      • do you feel fear and will to prevent you from trying out another os?
      • is the deal so important, that you allow your freedom to be taken?
      • are there other shops, that give full warranty on hardware / each hardware component AND do not bind you at all?
    • if you have already bought such a system:
      • what is the age of the computer?
      • is it still actually covered by warranty?
      • does the warranty explicitly say that? (some don't)
  • It's not Windows
    • Linux is not Windows. Of course it is not. Otherwise I wouldn't suggest you switch from that terrible system. If it was, what would be the point of this argument?
  • Linux is so incomplete it doesn't even have a defragmentation tool.
    • Windows is so incomplete that it needs a defragmentation tool to hide the fact that it can't manage the hard drive blocks correctly. See why Linux does not need defragmenting.
    • Technically, the ext4 filesystem has a defragmentation tool, if you should ever feel the need to use it
  • There is no way to get support on Linux
  • But I can just call Microsoft if something breaks.
    • But you called me instead.
    • Linux has a tendency not to break by itself(unless you prefer bleeding-edge development branch and as such consciously want this), unlike some commercial counterparts.
    • Have you ever tried?
  • Linux is for geeks/nerds.
    • There is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable and/or intelligent when it comes to a useful system.
    • Learning is great.
    • Think beyond stereotypes. Both Windows and Linux were made by very clever, intelligent people- for everyone (including the not so intellectually gifted) to use.
    • That is no longer the case. Some different types of Linux are so simple to operate that the more technologically advanced don't use them as much because they find it _too_ simple.
    • So, I guess [Operating System X] is made for Dumbasses?
  • power management (suspend/hibernate) do not work well with my computer
    • a completely valid argument. Especially if the computer is a notebook computer or for environmental reasons (electricity consumption).
  • It's made by hackers
    • there is a fundamental distinction between the word "hacker", which has changed definition multiple times in history, and crackers. They have been often confused by the media, and the words depend entirely on the context.
    • if it really were made by crackers for crackers (for their own use), wouldn't you think they would make damn sure that it is secure for themselves?
    • GNU/Linux is fully free and open-source. Everyone can look at the source, commit changes and build personal versions. There is nowhere to hide nasty things. At all.

Common arguments against Ubuntu (or any other Linux desktop)

  • I like Windows/I like the way my computer is set up./Doesn't have Photoshop or specialized application X.
    • In order to make a true comparison, the person should use each system/application for equally same time, with no stereotypes or expectations. This is barely the case, since many become Redmond OS preinstalled and do not know that things can be different.
    • There may be application/applications Y and Z which fulfill the function of X, but if the person absolutely must use application X, or really likes Windows in a genuine way (it is funny, I know!), better to leave him/her be happy.
    • That's why there is Wubi./That's why there's a live CD./That's why there's the dual boot. If you cannot leave your system completely behind, for whatever reason, you can either dual boot or run off of a live CD that has the option of saving your settings to a folder on your Windows Desktop. (See Puppy Linux esp. TEENpup.)
  • why use this (Ubuntu) when the old one (windows) works fine
    • this is a valid argument, that can be countered by further discussion though. It depends on the case. For example, one might consider that if you are the one giving technical support:
      • it reduces costs (either in time or money) of troubleshooting the computer
      • reduces maintenance
      • it makes you feel good inside
      • there is usually a very noticeable speed increase
      • I will stop providing any technical support for Windows because I am tired
  • I don't want to dual boot, I don't want to choose anything at start up
    • The dual boot starts automatically the system of your choice after a few seconds (and this can be changed to the amount of time you want)
    • You could install only Linux and no dual-boot, hehe ;)
    • There are known cases of people that have been using Windows for more than 10 years, wipe the hard drive clean(!) and install Linux only, after very small exposure to its possibilities through the virtual machine. ;)
  • Wireless is actually possible in Linux?!
    • Yes. It is as easy as plug and play if you have the right hardware, and you can actually find cards that work well for 20$ on eBay (example). If you happen to have unsupported hardware, it may or may not work, and it may be difficult to make it work, due to manufacturers (Broadcom, I'm looking at you) not being cooperative.
  • Ubuntu is not ready for the desktop.
    • Windows is not ready for the desktop.
      • Windows has a deficient software installation and security model.
      • Considers anyone and anything, including the owner, a criminal.
      • Windows is high-priced and/or crippled.
      • Windows has digital rights management built-in all over the place (a good example is that in the USA it is illegal to copy a song from a legally bought CD and convert it to MP3 format. Windows Vista will send your information to the company and they will (so I have heard) send you a lawyer's letter demanding payment of and exorbitant fee ($500) or they will sue you for $5,000.00. [This is an actual case that I heard on the radio. We need to find a website or news media outlet, however, to support this.])
      • Windows does not provide you with useful apps out of the box (unless Notepad/Wordpad is a sufficient word processor for you, and it does not even play DVD movies unless you install additional software)
      • Windows has bad usability (Yes/No all over the place)
      • Windows is stagnating because it is tied to a vast market; it cannot improve as fast as FOSS
      • Linux is made by users for users. It is a result of real world problems and their solutions. In contrast M$ has a very professional marketing department to redefine what should you consider to be "needed".
    • What do you base your readiness on? I can tell you it works fine on my desktop and on those of millions of others who use it every day.
  • No Notepad or Paint.
    • Of course not, there are much better replacements (gedit + GIMP or whatever you choose)
    • If you are deeply in love with NotePad and Paint, those can be run under Wine
  • All my friends/everyone/everybody uses Windows
    • Therefore, if everyone killed kittens/jumped off a cliff/put their pants on fire/mutilated themselves, you would do it too?
    • Technically, no. Some people use Linux distributions, Mac OS, some people use Solaris, FreeBSD, and a lot of varied systems. They are just not the majority. Actually, there are millions of those people (just Ubuntu, by rough estimates, has more than 8 millions users)
    • They generally just don't know alternatives exist?
    • While this may be true until recently, I no longer use Windows because [launch into your story of your change to Linux].
    • All you have to do is try it. This doesn't have to be forever. You can always go back.
      • Remember, forcing them into trying it out/changing over will just cause them to look for any reason to decide to go back to Windows. Don't force it.
  • It can't read and write .doc, .ppt, etc.
    • Windows can't too. Its individual applications that perform this. And most of them can.
    • There are plenty of programs that are out there that can do that. Also there are websites that can convert files to a more "open" file format.
    • If you wish to show them that open source programs can open a proprietary document formats, give them OpenOffice.org and let them get used to it.
  • You have to use the command line all the time
    • Unlike M$, command line and graphical interface in linux are NOT enemies. They can be separated or combined. You can do all things using your favorite way plus usually in different ways. It doesn`t matter what you choose. Its personal preference only.
    • No, the command line is mostly used when someone wants to help you resolve a problem remotely; because it is easier to provide you with direct commands to copy and paste, instead of telling you how to do it in multiple steps in a graphical user interface
    • In a typical desktop Linux distribution, you use a graphical user interface for your daily use.
    • The command line works wonderfully if something ever stops working, the command line will show you how and why it is encountering problems.
    • Windows also has a command line, and several problems (especially network problems) are best fixed via the command line.
    • The command line is a very useful and powerful tool. It can increase your productivity if you *CHOOSE* to learn how to use it, but you can get by without it.
    • Using the command line does not prohibit you from using a graphical interface, and it certainly does not keep Linux from having a very mature graphical interface.
    • other ideas/counter arguments here are welcome
  • I've tried "linux" before, like 5-6 years ago
    • I'm proposing to try it out... today *pops up a laptop running a very nice and clean interface*.
    • Look how much computers have evolved in the last few years. This needs another chance, comparing to the past is not a good idea.
    • Try comparing Windows 3.1 to Vista. Actually, even XP to Vista. There is a big difference.
  • It should be blue/I hate brown, it looks like dog poop/I don't like the default theme
    • it takes less than 15 seconds to change the theme. Here, let me show that to you.
      • Alternatively, try Kubuntu. KDE is blue and shiny. Or GNOME. Or Compiz Fusion. Or XFCE. Or OpenBox. Or GNUStep. Or other 20 shells. Thats not skins, thats Window Managers, skins are counted 1Mln+.
    • "Brown like chocolate", you mean. Yummy.
  • It's too complicated, you need to learn a whole new system and it's hard.
    • That is why I am offering my help to make you learn fast!
    • Most things worth doing in life require a bit of learning. Walking was not easy the first time you tried it, neither was riding a bike/skiing/learning to draw.
    • This argument works because Windows HAS been the standard in most computers since at least 1995, people have had to use them in school, work, most libraries. Windows was forced upon you since day one. It will take time to learn Linux, but it may be worth it.
  • It's different
    • It has to be different to work better than (whatever operating system they use already)
    • You can hardly expect different systems to work the same way.
    • Yes, of course. Just like there is a difference between apple sauce and mub. ;)
  • I can get Windows free too (illegal copy)
    • No, that is illegal (depending on the country) and can get you in trouble.
  • I am fighting Microsoft by pirating their software! Ha! Ha!
    • No, you are helping them gain market share and drill down habits in your head until you have the money to buy it and not enough time to mess around.

Against FOSS in general

  • Communists/Fascists/etc use Linux
    • They also drive cars and eat food
    • They are also human
    • They also use Windows / Lesser-informed Communists/Fascists use Windows
    • They breathe the same air as you
    • This is a sophism and a logical fallacy. It is an unjustified appeal to fear
    • The NASA, part of one of the most capitalist countries (U.S.A) uses Linux. Google uses Linux. Dell sells it. And a plethora of governmental and business sectors use Linux.
    • FOSS also promotes capitalism, in the sense that anybody can provide support for it (or code new features), rather than only the original author. This means that if the author wants to make money providing support, he/she needs to do a better job than the other people who want to make a living that way.
  • Hackers use Linux
    • See above about communists/fascists
    • Also see the subsection about the "hackers" term in the "GNU/Linux" section near the top
  • You get what you pay for. Anything that is free can't be worth using. If it was any good they would be able to make money on it.
    • If your friend buys a new TV and gives you his old one for free is the older TV worthless because you got it for free?
      • "No,but, he paid for it! so it was worth something!"
        • You're getting a nice system that works and has thousands of people for user support, yes, all for free. Judge it on it's value, not on it's price tag. I can sell you a paper bag that costs $120 dollars. That doesn't make it better than when I bought it for $00.15
    • If you own an apple tree, just because you don't have to buy it from the store, does it taste bad?
    • Open source software is about making great software not about making money
    • Corporations backing FLOSS actually *are* making money. Lots of it. And they are growing much faster than Microsoft. In turn, professional developers and testers are paid to work on FLOSS software, and everyone wins.
    • "The best things in life are free"
    • Is an expensive Pinto better than a free Lamborghini?
    • FOSS is worth using because it is free. Anyone can choose to work on it and improve it, without being illegal doing it or having to pay a price. Anyone can SUGGEST improvements, and there actually are people willing to then improve it for you for free.
  • Free software? We don't run free software here. It's full of bad stuff. We don't "download" software.
    • Use the Latin version of the word free, such as "libre" (in French)
    • Software Libre is not pirated software.
    • If you have the skill (and lots of people do) you can look through the code and see there is nothing nasty in the software. You can't say the same thing about software coming from Microsoft/Apple/Sony/anything proprietary.
  • This is not actually FUD, but some people ask,"Why did the developers not make any money off it, if it was so good? "This is more of a philosophy thing." Awaiting answers.
    • It is much like a person who does woodworking for a hobby and takes pride in building beautiful furniture (because that is what they love doing) and then gives it away because they aren't in it for the money, they're in it for the fun. FOSS is the same way. Some people take pride in making elegant pieces of software (because that is what they love doing) and then giving it away (because they're in it for the fun, not money) , and since software can be effortlessly copied, it can benefit many people instead of just one like the woodworker.
    • I am a Linux enthusiast. If I were to make a change to some program I will send it off to other people so that they may benefit too. I will not ask for money because I got the system for free/cheap.
    • Assuming you are helping friends/family and not being paid for it: "For the same reason I'm willing to help fix problems, because I am passionate and knowledgeable about computers, and want to help others have enjoyable experiences with them as well."
    • Why do people collect stamps? Why do people give to charities? FOSS is halfway between both. You work on your hobby and you contribute to the world around you. Thats why linux is free.
    • Perhaps this should be moved somewhere else in the page (ctrl-F for "money"). Would those reply to your question? Usually I'd say that the devs do it for the love of good software. kiddo? June 18, 2008, at 12:57 PM
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Page last modified on June 13, 2010, at 11:04 AM