Thread by @BrianLinuxing

My exchange with @jlwallen set me thinking

Obviously, as a user of Linux since early 90s (and as an operating system specialist) I’m very keen to see it extend everywhere

Many of his points are sensible

This thread would be the Linux conference talk I’ve never managed to give

@jlwallen How to make Linux popular, a subjective and rational approach

There are many interpretations as to why Linux isn’t successful on the desktop (server wars have been won by Linux)

This is just one, imperfect view. I’ve been doing IT for ~40 years, so I know a little, sometimes!

@jlwallen It is a complex topic, clearly, in little short of 8000 words I couldn’t do it full justice. Anyone who knows me in real life will know I am very verbose, so I’ve kept it short. For once.

Nevertheless, this is based on my experience of teaching Linux, freely, in London.

@jlwallen [I run Linuxing In London the largest inclusive and educational group in Britain We offer the only free Linux classes in London, the only ones]

I belong to many, many tech meetups in London (I really like knowledge). I see what works, what doesn’t. What to avoid and what to try

@jlwallen All of this is contingent. There’s no real grand plan, just things to try, improve on and try again. Iterate.

There are top-down approaches which could definitely improve Linux, the real successful way is to galvanize individuals in the community, mobilizing people.

@jlwallen Want #Linux to succeed?

Why not try this:

1. Hold regular and welcoming installation events, expressly aimed at non-computer users. Every month, every month.
2. Help people recycle old laptops into workable Linux machines.

@jlwallen 3. Actively encourage the participation of women in workshops by positively ticketing them at events.***

4. Take feedback from participants and refine the workshops to be more welcoming, more inclusive and friendly.

*** see
linuxinginlondon.com/2018/06/19/pos…

@jlwallen 5. If someone doesn’t use Linux don’t look down on them, encourage them, remember everyone started off as a novice once.
6. Avoid having events which are top-heavy with men, if you don’t have 51% of the population (women) there, its wrong and its counter-productive.

@jlwallen 7. Avoid Pubs, it send the wrong message
8. Have a clear, short code of conduct.

My personal view is, that Linux will succeed when it’s not seen as an elitist or an excessively technical option.

Ordinary people want usable computers, they don’t want 4 hour updates or 56 viruses

@jlwallen In the classes, when I explain to people directly the benefits of Linux and how it will make their life easier they often smile, thinking they won’t need to buy yet another computer to replace the £600+ Windows laptop they bought last year, which has ground to a halt.

@jlwallen Key point: Ordinary users appreciate the utilitarian value of Linux, it’s up to you, as existing Linux users and advocates, to help them with those first steps, as friendly as possible.

Friendly, really friendly.

@jlwallen PS: If you disagree, please don’t nag me.

Just accept this is what *I* have found to work, other people's mileage will vary :)

PPS: my apologies to Jack, couldn't think of a Twitter way of removing him from the extra bits in thread, not nagging him. Sorry Jack.

@jlwallen @threadreaderapp unroll