[NCLUG] What is a Linux User?

[Paul Hummer]

This week, Chad started thread about entitled "local end-user support" 
that asked the question "Is there any local linux end user support?"  
This got me thinking about the nature of Linux (and *BSD) users, and why 
some "normal" computer services are not available to Linux users.  Is it 
because the business world doesn't completely acknowledge Linux as a 
viable OS?  Is it because people who use free software are poor, or just 
stingy with their money?

There are many corporate services available for Windows desktop users 
that aren't necessarily *easily* available to Linux users.  One of these 
is Geek Squad's online backup.  While it's possible to backup up your 
Linux system to their online backup server, the process is VERY 
Windows-centric (and not really something my grandma would do).  
However, as an everyday Linux user (since 1998...), I've found solutions 
that work for me, like buying hardware and setting up my own backups, 
inside the LAN and off-site.  That just seems to be my nature.  An 
elementary example at best, but one that proves my point.  There is so 
specific Linux setup tool for the online backup.

I guess what I'm getting at is, what is the "nature" of a Linux/*BSD 
user?  I've thought about those of you I've encountered at Hacking 
Society or the NCLUG meetings.  Some of them are minimalists, opting for 
the window manager with 8 desktops, each running a terminal.  Others are 
running full blown Gnome with every possible Compiz Fusion plugin 
imaginable.  Some use Evolution, while others opt for fetchmail and 
mutt.  Are Linux users "hackers" in the sense that they solve problems 
themselves, or are they just really lucky to have great systems?  What 
is it really that makes a Linux user tick?

I look forward to your insights.


Paul

P.S. When I say linux user, I mean those who use it on their desktop (or 
laptop) as an everyday system, not those who have some linux systems in 
the server room, but use Windows or Mac for their private use.