Seven years of conflict between Linux and Windows

If you access this page, you are a new Linux User. You are encountering a lot of confusion about how to switch from Windows to Linux, the purpose of this article is to explain this question to new users. As this big problem leads to many sections, I will discuss them one by one.

Conflict 1: Linux and Windows are completely different.

You will be surprised by the similar complaints from so many people about Linux. They rush to Linux and want to find a free and open-source version of Windows. Generally, this is what the avid Linux users tell them. However, this is a ridiculous expectation.

People try Linux for different reasons, but all the reasons can be attributed to the fact that they want Linux to be better than Windows. This is precisely because of Linux's low cost, wider options, high performance, and high security. Of course, there are many other aspects that are measured in comparison with Windows. This is often the case for every Windows user who tries Linux. This is where the problem lies.

Too many people ignore the fact that, logically speaking, it is impossible to make a thing better than a reference object while keeping it identical. Just as a perfect replica will be no different from its master, but it cannot surpass the original version. So when you try Linux with the idea that the use of Linux is similar to that of Windows, and want it to do better, you will inevitably discover the differences between them, and regard these differences as Linux defects.

For a simple example, let's think about the Driver Upgrade: normally, if we want to upgrade a hardware driver in Windows, we need to go to the hardware manufacturer's website to find and download the latest driver. However, in Linux, we only need to simply upgrade the kernel.

This means that in Linux, only one download and upgrade can provide all the latest applicable drivers. However, in Windows, we have to browse multiple websites and download the upgrade programs separately. This is a different process. Obviously, this is not a bad experience. However, many people complain about this because it is not the way they are used.

Or from another example that is more frequently used, think about Firefox-one of the greatest success stories of open-source software. This is a Web browser sweeping the world. Is it successful by imitating IE, the "most popular browser?

No. It succeeds because it is better than IE. It is better because of its differences. It supports tab browsing, real-time dynamic bookmarks, built-in search entries, PNG (image format) support, adblock extensions (AD blocking plug-ins), and other wonderful things. The "Search" toolbar is displayed in the toolbar at the bottom. It can search for the content you typed and marked in red to indicate that no matching content exists. Internet Explorer does not have tab browsing, and does not have the RSS subscription function. The search results can only be expanded by a third party. In its search dialog box, you must click "OK" to start searching, in addition, you need to click "OK" again to clear the "not found" error message. This undoubtedly proves that an open-source application achieves "better" through "different", and succeeds by "better. If Firefox is just a clone of IE, it will disappear from the shadows of IE. If Linux is a clone of Windows, the same thing will happen on Linux.

Therefore, the key to solving this problem is: Remember the parts that are familiar with your usage habits in Linux, not that Linux is a new version and a new version of Windows. Actively address those differences, because Linux has the opportunity to shine brightly only when it is different.

Conflict 2: Linux and Windows are too different

When people look forward to something special about Linux, another problem arises. Linux and Windows are too different, and some differences are hard to adapt. Perhaps the most typical example is that there are too many things available for Linux users to choose from. For a new Windows user, he already has a classic or Windows XP-style desktop topic, WordPad program, IE browser, and OutlookExpress. However, for a Linux beginner, there are hundreds of releases in front of him for selection, and there are Gnome, KDE or Fluxbox (desktop environment), vi, emacs or kate (Text Editor ), konqueror, Opera, Firefox, Mozilla (Web browser), or a series of other available tools.

Windows users have never been faced with such rich choices for installation and use (operating system. "Is it necessary to provide so many options ?" Such complaints are common.

Is there a big difference between Linux and Windows? They are all operating systems. They all do the same job: operate your computer and let you have something to run the application. Naturally, they all have something in common, right?

Let's look at the problem from this perspective: when we go out, we can see different kinds of vehicles on the road. All vehicles, regardless of their design, have the same purpose: to transport you from A to B on the road. Note that they have different designs.

But you will think, there is a very small difference between cars: they all have steering wheel, foot pedal, transmission lever, hand brake, windows, doors, fuel tanks ...... If you can drive this car, you can drive any car.

Indeed. But have you ever seen people riding motorcycles instead of driving cars?

Switching from one version of Windows to another is like switching from a car to another. Win95 to Win98. To be honest, I can't tell the difference. From Win98 to WinXp, there is a big difference, but there is no major difference.

However, switching from Windows to Linux is like switching from a car to a motorcycle. They are all operating systems (road vehicles ). They may all use the same hardware (road ). They may all provide an environment for running applications (from location a to location B ). However, they use two essentially different methods to achieve their goals.

Windows (CAR) is not safe for viruses (thieves) unless you install anti-virus software (lock the door ). Linux (motorcycle) does not have viruses (doors), so even if you do not install anti-virus software (doors are not locked), it is very safe.

Let's take a look:

Linux (automobile) is basically used by multiple users (passengers ). Windows (motorcycle) is used for a single user (passenger ). Every Windows user (Motorcycle Driver) needs to get used to controlling his computer (vehicle) every moment ). A Linux User (A Car passenger) must log on as the root user (sitting in the driving seat) to control the computer (vehicle ).

There are two different ways to achieve the same goal. They have their own advantages and disadvantages: When carrying a family member and a large package of goods from A to B, A car is obviously wise: because it has ample seats and enough storage space. A motorcycle is a better choice for a person from the ground a to the ground B: because it does not encounter congestion, it consumes less fuel.

Whether you choose a motorcycle or a car, there are still many things that won't change: You need to add the oil to the fuel tank, drive the car on the same road, and you must observe the traffic lights and turn the steering lights before turning, you must also observe the speed limit instructions.

But after all, there are many different situations: drivers do not have to drive with safety helmets, and drivers do not need to fasten their seat belts. Drivers turn the steering wheel to turn, while drivers of motorcycles have to tilt their bodies to change their center of gravity; drivers need to step on the accelerator pedal to speed up, while motorcycles are controlled by hand rotating the handlebars.

A car driver will soon be in a pile of trouble if he tries to shift his focus. Similarly, if a Windows user thinks that his experience can be used directly, the results will be lost for the same reason. As a matter of fact, a Windows "Advanced User" often encounters more troubles in Linux. If experienced Windows users cannot solve the problem, they often feel that "if I have such knowledge, I cannot solve it, so don't worry about it for new users ", therefore, I came up with a strong idea that "Linux is 108,000 miles away from desktop applications. But this is obviously not in line with the facts.

The solution is that a Windows user must realize that he is only an experienced Windows user, not an experienced computer user. A Windows user must realize that he became a new user when he tried Linux.

Conflict 3: Cultural Impact

Sub-question A: it is A culture where Windows users are more or less in the relationship between consumers and suppliers:

They spend money to buy software, get authorization, get support, and so on. They want the software to have accurate availability. So they get used to the right to use software: they spend money to get technical support and the right they want. They also often deal with entities other than individuals: for example, they sign a contract with a company.

Linux users have more consistency. They don't have to spend money to buy software, and they don't have to spend money to get technical support. They download software for free, use online chat tools, and go to the Forum for help. They deal with individuals, not companies.

If a Windows user just brings his point of view to Linux, he will not like Linux, which needs to be adapted slowly.

The biggest cause of the conflict lies in online communication: a beginner Linux cainiao asks for help when encountering a problem. When he doesn't get an acceptable answer, he started complaining and wanted more help. This is because he used to pay for help. The problem is that this is not a paid system to help. It is a system that many enthusiastic people help others solve problems from the heart. A new user has no right to ask for help from these enthusiastic people, just like a donor who wants to get more donations.

Similarly, a Windows user is used to commercial software. The company will not release the software until it is sufficiently reliable, functional, and user-friendly. Therefore, Windows users want the software to start from Version 1.0. The Linux software will be released immediately after being rewritten. Therefore, it starts from version 0.1. In this way, people who really need these features will immediately get it; interested developers will help improve the code, and the Community will know what to do next.