A Windows Die-Hard Confronts Linux
July 21, 2004 3 Comments
Always interesting to see what Windows users think of Linux. I have been using Linux exclusively on my desktop for years now, and I think it's more ready then it's ever been (although admittedly not quite ready for everyone). What do *you* think – is Linux ready for the desktop?
–jeremy
Jeremy's Blog 
I think linux is ready for the desktop. The problem is that people won't go through the process of switching and won't use linux unless it comes on their new computer. Linux for the desktop is now more a distribution problem then an ease-of-use problem.
I agree – Linux really needs a couple major OEM's to step up and offer preloaded Linux systems.
–jeremy
I have seen many threads and articles on whether Linux is ready for the desktop and they all really come to the same conclusion: Define the Desktop”.
If you want email, some office suite work, browsing – the real basics, then yes, Linux is ready.
If your needs are greater – especially if you have spent thousands on apps and databases that are specific to your office – then it's better not to move as Linux is not, natively, going to be what you are after.
If we can get more OEMs and more big companies to make the switch, things will rocket along. We, the community and the distributors, need some way to combat the “Microsoft Anti-Linux Sales Task Force” activitiew – they swoop down and offer to give you all your software for a huge discount. Unfortunately, many companies are acting against us (wilfully or otherwise) by using the possibility of using Linux as a bargaining chip.