[ Thanks to Dave
Smith for this link. ]
“Every time I tell someone that I run Linux on my home computer,
the first question they ask is “Linux? Who makes that?” After a
mini-lecture about Linus and the GPL, I rattle off some of the
benefits and drawbacks of Linux. Some people hear the phrase
“command prompt” and run away like Forrest Gump runs from a bully.
Others are intrigued by the fact that a computer can run all day
and not crash. These people often ask me where they can get
Linux, and if I think it would be beneficial for them.”
“It is often difficult to decide if you would benefit from using
Linux. There are some situations where Linux is obviously superior
to other operating systems, but there are also times when Linux
should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, both of these are
far outnumbered by the grey area labelled “maybe….”
“Now we are led to the next question: Is Linux ready for desktop
computing for the masses? In my eyes, this is doubtful right now,
but forseeable in the near future. The people working on KDE are
making great strides both in the Graphical User Interface, and in
day-to-day applications. As more companies jump on the Linux
bandwagon, it will be easier to get desktop systems with Linux
preloaded. This will allow people to run Linux without having to
actually install it. – which is a very popular reason for people
not trying Linux.”