“I like to collect Linux misinformation. Like the coworker who
once told me Linux was an older version of UNIX that crashes if you
try to use it to look at graphics, or as a web server. “
“You get used to a certain amount of it in your dealings with
people who aren’t particularly familiar with Linux. You learn to do
your research before going to the store to pick up a new piece of
hardware, because the clerk will tell you with a straight face that
using a particular piece of hardware with Linux will cause early
hair loss and chronic flatulence on top of voiding your warranty.
So when it came time to order a DSL connection for my home, I did a
month of research on all the potential hurdles and roadblocks
before I ever started on what I’ve taken to calling ‘technician
triangulation.'”
“Tech triangulation is a simple procedure. You just figure out
what you want to know, call the support line three times (making
sure you get a different technician each time) and ask your
questions. If you’re lucky, they all agree with each other. If not,
go with the majority unless two of them are clearly dim bulbs and
the third is a compulsive ‘Linux mentioner’ who’s looking for his
crack at moving off the help desk by antagonizing random customers
with comments like ‘It’s supposed to work that way, but I don’t
know… I run, uhhh, Linux.'”