David Nebenzahl writes:

Let me say first that I'm not picking a fight over which OS is
better. I concede that Linux is probably better than any of the
"proprietary" OSes.

But you're missing the points, one of which is that the "superior OS"
is only used by a tiny fraction of computer users, despite it being so
all-fired better, but more importantly, that's really the OS of choice
of computer geeks, not most users.

I haven't missed that point. I concede that there are more people
running Windows.

I don't see how it's all that important to be using what everyone
else is using.

Let me ask you in all sincerity: do you think the average user could
(assuming they knew about it, and assuming they wanted to)
successfully install Linux on a computer and keep it running? I ask
out of ignorance, having never installed it myself.

Yes. Linux installs have gotten easier and easier.
If you can install XP, you'll find installing Linux is even easier
(without all the reboots).

If you can't install XP, you can run Linux without even doing a
proper install. There are "live CDs". Just put the CD in the drive and
reboot. You don't install anything it just runs Linux.
If you have a machine that can boot from USB there are versions that
run from a USB device.

And even if they could do that, I doubt if they have the knowledge you
have which would let them recover from problems as easily as you do.

How do you deal with Windows problems? Same technique works with
Linux.

For many people, it's not an either or type choice. Many people
run both. They set up their machines for dual boot. If you've got
to get something done and you can't figure out how to do it, boot into
the other OS. Many people claim they switch back and forth and eventually
find they don't need Windows after a while. For some it goes the other
way.

It may be a great OS, but face it, it's never going to be used by
anything but a tiny minority of those with computers.

If your goal is to run what everyone else runs, Linux isn't a good
choice.

If you have any curiosity burn a live CD and see how far you get.
It won't hurt anything.

I think what surprises most people is the massive amount of
free software available. The "Add/Remove Programs" feature
really works. In Windows, all it's good for is removing
stuff. With Linux there are thousands of free applications to
install and have fun with.