Is it useful for unix admin to use linux on his work computer? [closed]

I wouldn't advise forcing someone, unless there's no other way for them to do their job.

However, I assume there's something else here. Anyone employed as a Unix admin should certainly feel comfortable in the command line... if the new admin didn't like that (or even the occasional need to open a terminal in Linux despite the GUI config tools), I'd worry about his (or her) suitability for the position. If, however, he just wanted to be able to play Windows games during downtime, I wouldn't worry about it.

Part of me is amazed that there's a Unix sysadmin choosing to use Windows. Not in an anti-Windows sense, but more in a 'eat your own dog food' sense.

I would have thought that using an *ix variant on his/her work computer would be a learning experience, and part of moving from being a new admin to an experienced admin.

Let me ask the question the other way: What would you say to a new Windows Server admin who wanted to use Linux on their work computer, rather than Windows?

I think that a preference for a windows desktop is not necessarily an indicator of unsuitability for the position. If he's really displaying a lack of engagement with the unix-isms underlying Linux and this is affecting his job then you might have a problem. Otherwise let him use Windows on his desktop if he wants to.

There are plenty of reasons why one might use a Windows desktop in this role; most of them boil down to a requirement to use some piece of windows based software (e.g. Office or TOAD if you're working with Oracle).

See how well he does on the job.