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Nice article by Tom Adelstein discussing the different patterns that the newly migrating Linux users show in contrast to the veterans. He makes some good points about how the new Linux users require a different type of community than the one many of us may be use to. They need a friendly environment that will help them get up to task with using their Linux desktops so that Windows is nothing but the OS they have to use at work. Telling someone to RTFM does not offer any help.

They tend to be young, have significant user experience, have an interest in learning more about Linux, like to get under the hood, have or use current or recently purchased equipment, or like to revive existing computers. I’ll admit that I enjoy working with such users. They put a different face on the community.