There are differences between Windows and Linux that are easy to dismiss,
but which require Linux users to be more ardent supporters. Windows gets
lots of promotion in the media, paid and otherwise. Microsoft goes out of
its way to take shots at Linux. Linux has no other way to promote itself,
but by word of mouth.

That being said, sometimes we get carried away in our enthusiasm and it does
more harm than good, but we should not sit back passively or else nobody
will hear of Linux and laud its features and strengths. If we seems like we
are promoting Linux that is not a bad thing. If it sounds like we are
evangelising then we are likely over doing it. I am guilty of this and
recognise that tendency but it is hard not to be effusive after using
something for ten years and seeing all of the FUD thrown our way by mega
corporations with money to burn and nothing better to do. Why not pick on
the little guy who cannot defend himself? Everyone tires of bullies and
fights back in ways they can.

It is better than it once was when we called them Windoze and Microblows. I
hope those days are behind us and we can at least engage in meaningful
dialogue. Unfortunately the other side still refuses to treat us an adult.

Most Linux users still believe some of the lies being spread. That is how
pervasive it is. The main one is that Linux is stuck at under 1%. However
Linux usage is actually greater than MacOS and above 10%. As with any
statistic you can skew the results. The results are skewed by examining only
US stats where Microsoft and Apple have a greater penetration and to count
dual booters as Windows users, but not Linux users. Fairly derived stats
show Linux growth as steady and worldwide greater than the Mac, but still
small compared to Windows. Steve Ballmer knows this and has said that Linux
is Microsoft's number two threat after piracy and well ahead of the Mac.
What does he know that most Linux users don't and why do we continue to
believe the lies? Because that is that is the FUD that is still being spread
by those who do not want to take us seriously. We need to be informed and be
willing to counter the lies or else we will live in an altered reality
created by our opponents.

Linux is great. It is not perfect. It is not for everybody. But it is for
more people than just those who know about it now. Many have not even heard
about it and if they have it is likely untrue what they know. It has not
even begin to reach its potential which is why we reach out. We need to be
careful how we do it though. If I am over enthusiastic, please gently bring
me back on track, but do not expect silence.