"When someone mentions 'Microsoft Windows,' most experienced
computer users have an idea of what the operating system does.
Whether it's Windows 95/98, ME, 2000 or XP, Microsoft has managed
to maintain an identity for their OS that has translated into a
monopoly-sized chunk of the desktop business and home market.
Maintaining the look and feel of their desktop OS over several
revisions and upgrades, Microsoft has established a standard for
most desktop computer users.
"You might think that this standard look and feel is flawed, but
you can't deny its influence on the market.
"When someone mentions the 'Linux Desktop,' most computer users
don't have the slightest idea about what it is. And explaining what
the Linux Desktop is comprised of only makes matter worse. Users
(and we mean regular, everyday users that want to write papers or
letters, email their friends and family and browse the Internet)
don't really care that their desktop includes an X server and a
desktop environment and a window manager all on top of GNU/Linux.
They want a desktop that lets them find their files and programs,
with the basic applications they need like a word processor, an
email client and a browser..."
