One important consideration of any software user or group of users when choosing to use an Open Source software product is the availability of help when something goes wrong. For commercial software the concerns are focused on price and availability of expertise above and beyond one's own resources. There is also a level of understanding and trust that the company will continue to operate. Similar concerns exist for open source products, but the groups providing the support are less well understood and vary widely. A good primer for how to get help when using an Open Source product is How To Ask Questions The Smart Way written by Eric Raymond. It is good advice and helps by giving some of the reasons behind Open Source developer stereotypes.
