Linux isn’t popular because
#1 - there is no GNU/Linux advertising in mainstream media.
#2 - there is Microsoft and Macintosh advertising in the media.
#3 - hardware vendors are slow to take open source alternatives seriously
because of FUD from Microsoft (until very recently)
#4 - people who have an audience constantly talk about how awful Linux is for
the Desktop

If you want Desktop Linux and Mandriva/Ubuntu/Fedora were not easy enough, you should try PCLinuxOS or Linspire.

My own experience has been that desktop Linux has been increasingly more usable since I started using it full-time about four years ago. The one sticking point was MS Project (unfortunately, a necessity), but I was able to get around that by a combination of dual-booting and VirtualBox. Otherwise, I’ve found that just about all the monitors and other peripherals I’ve acquired over the last year or so have worked out of the box.

Unfortunately, a new laptop with a corporate-mandated Safeboot-encrypted HD has put the kibosh on that strategy, and I’m now stuck using XP full time.

@Matthew Your points are all well taken, and it was for this reason that I did the original switch to Linux. I’m sold on software freedom, don’t get me wrong. And I think that organizations and individuals that are committed to software freedom should absolutely be willing to jump through the hurdles that exist. Also, remember I use a Mac - so all of the security issues are moot. I agree with basically everything you say, which is why it’s sad for me to give Linux up as my main desktop.

My experience may well have been different if I had been a Windows user. I think the Windows->Linux experience is a lot more different than the Mac->Linux experience.

@Brian Yes, I will discuss pre-loaded systems, and you are right, they are easier to deal with, for sure. But you’ll still have the peripherals issue.

@Seth I haven’t tried it yet - that’s a good idea. I know that the Adobe Air is alpha in Linux, but it’s worth trying out.

@Thomas Sorry to burst your bubble. :-)

And, by the way, there are loads and tons of great open source desktop applications available for both Mac and Windows, that I swear by and use every day, like Firefox, Thunderbird, OpenOffice.org, Adium, etc. I think that’s where the growth of FOSS on the desktop is going to be great.

What price Freedom?

This is why you cannot judge GNU/Linux side by side with proprietary systems. If you value software choice, privacy, common ownership, etc., then:-

- buy hardware that is supported (unless you are a developer or tinkerer)
- use software that is not proprietary

its easy.

If however you want:-
- more viruses & security holes
- wasted tax payers money
- closed certification & training
- hardware upgrade cycles (and hardware disposal issues)
- data ownership issues (open standards)

then promote and use proprietary systems! Because most people will only use what they are familiar with.

it is particularly sad because its still virtually impossible to spend grant money on GNU/Linux support, people like to fund shiny hologram boxes. your message will justify them.

its like a path in the woods, the more people travel down it the easier the path gets. This is why your message is sad. I am sure that you are aware of this though.

As Linus said:

Have a lot of fun.

I am sorry that you didn’t find your GNU/Linux experience to your satisfaction. Did you learn anything about how your computer works? I bet you did. If you are a ‘Circuit Rider’ then re-applying this knowledge makes administrating easier and thus cost effective for 3rd sector organisations. You see learning GNU/Linux makes for a better windows admin and gives the client more choice.

meh.

It’s a shame you’ve had bad experiences with those tasks. I’ve had one of the Dell 1420Ns sold with Ubuntu for a year now, and at this point all four of those things seem easy. After the upgrade to 8.04, I can plug in a new monitor and extend the display with the screen resolution applet (I’m using intel video). I connect to open/wep/wpa wireless networks without issue via Network Manager (I’m using intel wifi). I plug in in printers and they’re automatically set up. Although they weren’t doing it when I made the purchase, Dell is now including licensed DVD playback software.

I hope you’re discussing the option of buying systems with linux preinstalled in the webinar.

One minor point: have you tried Twhirl on Ubuntu? I’ve been pleased with it and consider it a viable option.