"The widespread use of Linux on the desktop hasn't caught on so far. But don't count it out quite yet: A new group, the Linux Desktop Consortium, is being formed by a growing number of Linux and application vendors to promote the use of the open-source operating system on corporate and home desktops.
"Others have tried the concept before, including Dell Computer, which several years ago offered several desktop computer models with Red Hat Linux preinstalled. It didn't catch on, though, and Dell dropped the preconfigured machines because demand was lacking.
"But a lot has changed in recent years, including the addition of more robust, enterprise-ready features in the latest versions of the operating system, as well as a wider range of business applications. More expensive licensing for Microsoft's dominant Windows operating system and applications has also caused many companies to at least look at alternatives, adding an opportunity for Linux vendors to gain sales..."
