I manage hundreds of Linux desktops (VDI, laptops, desktops) and about 75 Windows 10 laptops.
I see at least 25 Windows tickets for every Linux desktop ticket.
Sure I am paid more than an equivalent Windows admin but the ongoing cost of support is far less. Stuff just doesn't randomly stop working like in Windows. It's really nice.
How much of this is because the Linux users are more likely to know how to fix their own stuff/not break it in a weird way compared to the Windows users?
That may be true, but that doesn't negate the question I was asking. At most companies I've worked at, most of the technical/developer types had OS X or Linux computers, and the people with Windows boxes tended to be people using them more for administrative tasks with Outlook/Excel.
I know I have plenty of small problems with my Linux desktop, same as I have with my old Windows desktops, but I generally know how to fix/learn to fix those without going to a support line. That would be true even if you gave me a Windows computer.
Essentially, if you gave the people filing all the Windows support tickets a Linux machine instead, would that fix the problem? Or is it that those people are more likely to need support help AND also happen to prefer/need Windows.
None of the users have admin on either set of machines. We are comprised of largely technical individuals.
It's not your average office I'll admit that, but we do have non-technical people on Linux that work help desk and RMA (think $100k networking gear).
Windows Rant Incoming:
Windows Update sucks. It just sucks. I fucking hate it. It fails for no reason, it fails for every reason. With how important updates are for Windows updating should JUST WORK.
I was trying to curate updates via WSUS and then moved to W4B SAC but recently said eff it and just let them update however they want. Just let the updates fail, they'll work eventually. I really don't care anymore or have the energy to.
Yep. If Windows Update isn't destructive enough in how it decides it will reboot and install updates without the user's consent, Windows Update has also ended up bricking systems at times.
It's vile and a pain in the ass to deal with.
Linux/Ubuntu? "Oh, I should update. Okay, Alt+T, sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade"
I see at least 25 Windows tickets for every Linux desktop ticket.
Sure I am paid more than an equivalent Windows admin but the ongoing cost of support is far less. Stuff just doesn't randomly stop working like in Windows. It's really nice.