Low Quality FactsSep 23, 2025
Sitting at my desk chugging Tylenol until I know how to use Linux.
Show threadRoger Moore
@lowqualityfacts
The truth is that Linux isn't really any harder than Windows. It's just that when you run into a problem with Windows you don't know how to handle, you probably know an expert who can help you out. Most of us don't know someone with that level of Linux expertise, so we're stuck solving the hard problems ourselves. If we're lucky enough to have a Linux expert on call, it can be really nice.
Sep 23, 2025 at 3:23pmWeb
Show threadderptronSep 23, 2025

@VATVSLPR @lowqualityfacts What would you pay one?

Say you had an expert on hand that could completely automate and secure all your systems exactly how you wanted and then maintain that...

What's that guy worth to you?

Show threadRoger MooreSep 23, 2025
@crazyeddie @lowqualityfacts
For me personally, that isn't worth that much, because I already do an OK job of configuring, securing, backing up, etc. my personal system. For my employer, which has a substantial regulatory burden dealing with stuff like HIPAA, it's worth a lot.
Show threadderptronSep 24, 2025

@VATVSLPR @lowqualityfacts Small enough and desperate enough employer I might be able to help. I'm familiar with regulatory stuff, but haven't worked directly with HIPAA beyond stuff like not including personal id in test data :p You may be stuck with certain software suites also, as required just to interact with some regulatory agency.

Sounds like they'd have needs I can't meet but could always check it out :p

I am curious what someone would actually pay though for a personal technomage

Show threadRoger MooreSep 24, 2025

@crazyeddie @lowqualityfacts
My employer already has a big IT department, so there's no way you're going to replace them.

I'm also not sure about the market for personal technomage. Where I think there probably is a market right now is in breathing new life into computers left out of Windows 11. A package that includes Linux installation, basic training on how to run Linux, and a few tech support calls could be a good seller.

Show threadVesuvioSep 23, 2025

@VATVSLPR @lowqualityfacts

Most of the popular Linux distros have very active discussion forum, wiki etc., so you will find help, guides and other resources on-line. I highly recommend trying Linux!

Show threadRoger MooreSep 23, 2025
@poseidon @lowqualityfacts
The forums are nice, though I miss the nicely formatted HOWTOs of yesteryear. I still think there's a difference between being able to find a solution with some digging online and being able to get help from a friend or relative. There's also a huge benefit to being able to get commercial support, which is much easier to find for Windows.
Show threadMad Dog Ace RunSep 23, 2025
@VATVSLPR
Sometimes Google works.
Show threadRoger MooreSep 24, 2025
@BluesHarp
Sure, sometimes you can solve your own problems by googling them, and that's a great way to become more proficient. But a lot of people just want to use their computers, and even people who want to learn will sometimes be in a hurry and want things fixed immediately. It's hugely reassuring to know help is readily available when you need it, especially when so much of your life is on your computer. That reassurance is critical for an OS being mainstream.
Show threadMad Dog Ace RunSep 24, 2025

@VATVSLPR
My son is both a Windows expert and a Linux expert. He has been doing computer stuff since he was 10 years old. He usually has the answer if there is something I can't figure out. I ask him and he gives me the answer and then on we go.

I haven't touched WindBlows in years now. Have no desire to go back to that nonsense. Linux really is simple and Windoze is bloatware...

I'm using Fedora now. Major updates twice a year. A few glitches here and there but nothing too bad.

Show threadanubis2814Sep 23, 2025
@VATVSLPR @lowqualityfacts I almost never have had to do things in the power shell in windows. I have to do that all the time for linux. Windows is easier unless you are doing things like networks and servers
Show threadRoger MooreSep 26, 2025
@anubis2814 @lowqualityfacts
That doesn't really match my experience. On my home Linux system, I rarely need to do anything from the command line. I sometimes use it because I prefer the command line method for a specific problem- I get a better idea of what's going on with package installation from the command line than the software installation GUI, for instance- but that's personal preference, not necessity. I think the last thing I did that had to be from the command line was very obscure: filling a disk with random data before creating an encrypted file system as a paranoid security measure.