The Bulletin: Linux: Penguin Suitability

"Whatever happened to Linux on the desktop? Once upon a time the open, free operating system held a philosophical magnetism that promised to bring down Microsoft. But its reliability and low cost count for nothing at the PC coalface, where Windows rules.

"It's different in corporate-land. Linux has had a dream run, its acceptance accelerated with support from heavyweights such as IBM and Hewlett-Packard. These companies want Linux to power their back-end servers, but when it comes to the PC, familiarity is more important than cost, and few are familiar with Linux.

"That's not for lack of trying. Linux has been working hard to put on a prettier face for the end user. It has evolved rapidly from the first-generation graphical user interface of several years ago into a capable, easy-to-use, intuitive desktop that can work as well as anything Windows can do..."

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