How to Advocate for Linux (Without Coming Across as a Lunatic)

"If someone has a "clunky old XP box that is just turning them off from computing, Linux might be their answer," Dean explained. "Their need for a stable, faster OS might be met by Linux -- in which case the best way to sell Linux is to show them that faster, more stable OS."

"Yet it's also important to know when to "back off," he added. "Nobody likes pushy salesmen, and with Linux that's no exception. If Linux can't meet that person's needs today, accept that and move on; if you push it, you begin to cement the 'Linux Zealot'" image.

""Back when I used to be one of those, I thought, 'Linux is so great that a community forms around it!'" Dean explained. "The simple fact of the matter is that most normal people consider the operating system to be a bit of trivial technology."

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