"Linux advocates have an advantage - logic and reason
are on our side. We can dispel the myths, deflect the fud and
rattle off the many reasons why our favourite OS is the best choice
for most situations. We have all the facts at our fingertips and
can use them to reply to any question. Any question that is, until
we are asked "if it's so good, why isn't everyone using it?"
This question seems to cause all to stutter and stammer without
offering any acceptable answer. It's a question that also begs
another - Why do so many continue to use Windows? How is it that
Microsoft has been able to shepherd a generation of users and
developers into their pasture? And why is it that so many people
behave like sheep, unable to accept the facts? We all know that
Microsoft has used tactics, many unethical, some illegal, to keep
the sheep together; but even knowing this the sheep follow each
other and stay in the pasture. They do so even when they know that
the grass is greener almost everywhere else.
Perhaps there is an explanation, one that will at least help us
to understand why the shepherd has such power. But first we must
consider an example of sheepish behaviour, one that will show
clearly why the shepherd is laughing. The case that follows is just
an overview for the purposes of brevity; but if you want all the
appalling details, you can find them here."