My Response to The 10 characteristics of a Linux Guru

A while back I responded to Ken Hess’ “10 characteristics of a Linux Guru”. Igor Ljubuncic, Linux Systems Expert, responded by writing his own 10 characteristics of a Linux Guru (see here). Today I will analyze several of Igor’s characteristics:

1. Linux Guru is courteous, polite and generous.

He hits the ground running with this one. Whether you believe it or not, a lot of so-called “Linux experts” are a bunch jerks who call people idiots for asking general Linux questions. Do not believe me? Then what was the reason for creating Linux Chix then?

Real Linux gurus are nice fellows. If they do not know the answer, they will politely show you where you can find it, and not say “use Google you moron”.

2. Linux Guru is highly versed in the Linux kernel.

No, that does not mean you have to know very single version of the Linux kernel. Knowing the foundation of the kernel will enable you to work with most of the Linux distributions no matter what GUI they are using (GNOME, KDE, FVWM *shivers*, etc.).

3. Linux Guru will probably specialize in a certain field.

Some guys are kernel hackers, network jockeys, security specialists, or something else. There are tons of things you can do on Linux. Although knowing the general stuff is highly recommended, do not try to memorize every single detail for every single aspect of Linux; your time can be spent more efficiently somewhere else.

4. Will try to preach Linux to the masses.

Do not convert to Linux; just use it. That has always been my statement. Keep using Windows or Mac OS or whatever you have on your machine these days. Using Linux does not mean you have to get rid of your existing OS…trust me. Thanks to technologies such as dual booting, boot camp, and virtualization, you can use Linux without even tampering with your existing system.

Do not convince people to use Linux if they do not want it. Instead focus on people who are interested and you will get better feedback.

5. Will most likely be submitting bugs to developers, anonymously or not.

I have been involved with Htop by reporting bugs and submitting patches. I definitely recommend you do the same. ; -)

6. Linux Guru will not use the cliche …

I hope not. I hate when people do that. >_< Do you really have ten years of Linux experience or is it just one year ten times? : -P

7. Has the ability to separate mundane issues from core problems.

I fail this step a lot of times. I am just too stubborn to give up on stripping the kernel to its bones without making it unbootable.

8. Works mainly on serious stuff.

Stuff that are meaningful obviously. So does compiling the kernel make you a guru? Of course not! Real experts work on stuff that will benefit his team, company, or the rest of us. It is not just about improving yourself, but improving the lives of others in the process.

9. Has no grudge toward Steve … either one.

Haha I always make jokes about how I hate Apple and its products. Apple and Microsoft are just companies that want to make profit. I have nothing against either of those companies, but I always pretend that I do with my friends because it is funny. : -)

10. Is good looking and charming and does not make the camera lenses corrode.

I disagree 1000%. I am ugly so does that mean I cannot be a Linux guru? Pfft. : -P

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