The Wharton School: Linux: It's Growing More Popular, But Can It Do Windows?

"Linux, the computer operating system developed in the 1990s by a college student in Finland, is unlikely to dethrone Microsoft's Windows as the ubiquitous operating system on desktop PCs anytime soon. But Wharton faculty and a Linux supporter say that Linux will gradually become more attractive to consumers as more applications are developed for it.

"The real growth of Linux, though, is expected to take place elsewhere, these people say. Linux will continue to strengthen its position in its chief market--as an operating system for servers--as it is embraced by an increasing number of companies and government agencies who like Linux's features and low cost.

"In the consumer market even the Linux aficionados who make up the so-called open-source software community say that Linux faces at least three big hurdles: Most PC users know almost nothing about Linux; Linux devotees do not make much effort to market the system; and Windows is still easier to use..."

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