(Column) - Many Linux users find themselves working in Windows-based environments. More often that not, this is not something that can be avoided, and to be honest, I cannot actually say for certain that it should be. Despite the resistance from some Linux users to remain familiar with other operating systems, there is a certain level of importance in making sure that Windows does remain something that you are familiar with. And I say this for a number of reasons. Today, I will examine the advantages on all fronts as to being fluent with more than one OS.

Extending Your User Base: Software. It is just as foolish to only create and support applications on a single platform. This includes Linux-only apps. Like those who only support OS X or Windows, it would be silly to offer great applications like POPFile or Pidgin for Linux users, only then to exclude those who might prefer to use a different platform. Doing so is elitist and the developer is doing a real disservice to countless potential users. This is something that talented developers living in the Linux world must consider.

By adopting other platforms and extending their talents elsewhere, they will see a stronger adoption rate, and if applicable, an increased growth in revenue as well.

Microsoft Must Reinvent Itself, Learn from Apple

Extending Your User Base: Consulting. Today, many open source consultants will not bother trying to support closed source operating systems. Seriously, I can think of three of them just off the top of my head. And while I can understand where they are coming from, the fact of the matter is that they will not be of much service to customers who may be using a closed source OS, yet be in the market for open source solutions in other areas of their business.

I see this as a problem when some open source consultants decide to allow their personal views to take over as they dive deeper into the open source consulting world. My advice - leave the software politics at home. If the end user is using Windows, but would be a good candidate for an open source content management system, or other applicable software, then by all means, go to them - do not be a fool.

Extending Your User Base: Computer Repair. This is something I have talked about in the past. People who want to sincerely take Windows users and help them to embrace life without the closed source OS are great. It's nice in theory, but there will be clients who will need to use Windows for one reason or another. In some cases, middle ground will be found with virtual machines running Windows, while in other instances, the end user is just using hardware designed for Windows. In that case, going with Linux might mean starting over with hardware, and that is not in the best interest of the client for obvious reasons.

At the end of the day, just remember that not everyone wears their OS as a badge of honor. Understanding that most people just want things to work will solve everyone involved a lot of headaches in the long run, believe me.