Linux isn't going to become mainstream anytime soon because the vast majority of computer users want something out of the box (aka, pre-installed when they buy the PC). Microsoft pays people like dell big bucks to pre-install Windows, so the vast majority of people will use windows.

Anyway, I like XP, and until someone gives me a reason I just can't say no to, which hasn't happened, I won't be switching. I also don't like people trying to convince me to use different software, similar to the FF nutz. I'll choose the software I want to use thanks, and you can do the same. I don't need people trying to convert me about anything, be it religion or software or anything else.

i dual boot linux (ubuntu) and XP, linux for work. aside from the fact the lots of work related stuff can't be done on linux, here's my list of specific problems:

- OpenOffice graphics problem; disappearing menu
- Flash problems (well, blame it on adobe)
- dual screen display problems (workaround available)
- emacs version problem (substantial problem, since i use emacs for everything)
- theme switching problems (crashes computer)
- graphics acceleration optimization problem (finding appropriate libraries, very problematic)

the list goes on and on and on. most problems are solvable, but takes way too much time, and sometimes the solution is only a workaround. ubuntu is definitely easier than red hat (which i used to use), but still some ways off. linux is, after all these years, still nowhere near as useable as Windows. you get what you pay for. there's no free lunch--if you use linux, be prepared to spend lots of time debugging stuff, and time is money.

there are nice features... like multiple desktops, a terminal where you can issue commands, but securities issues aside (which i don't run into much) the advantages are by and large random.

ironically, many of my colleagues have switched to Mac. many windows programs they need have been ported to Mac, and the fact that Mac is a Unix system seems to make some things easier to do (like this terminal program). it's more expensive, but again, you get what you pay for.

there's stuff like VMware though (right? i don't use it... yet), so definitely more and more people will "switch" to linux and use Windows as is necessary.

I have Linux installed (Kubuntu) and use it for programming. If all the companies made software for both OSs I would use Linux all the time, but this seems almost impossible... I use pretty especific software for my studies and I don't think the developers will ever make a version for Linux, so I'm forced to use Windows (XP, no need to change to Vista). The same for the games; I like mostly old computer games (also, newer ones won't work on my 4 year old computer :P) and those don't have a Linux version.

Lolita, the Sims can work on Linux. A lot of games can, but it's not as easy as with Windows. My point here is that once it's as easy, or relatively close to the ease of Windows installs, the gaming community will realize Linux is a real alternative to Windows. I personally don't mind tweaking stuff to make games work, it's a learning experience.

I'd like to build a tv from scratch.

I think you're barking up the wrong tree. Unfortunately, the last people you will be able to convince to swap away from Windows XP are gamers, as they're the ones who require Windows the most.

Of course, I would have expected people in here to be intelligent enough not to come up with the usual FUD about linux *glares at DonWii*

I've attempted to use Linux as my "main" operating system in the past year, Ubuntu 6 to be exact.  I also run a very old installation of Fedora on my webserver (which is down until I finish unpacking from my move).  I'm sorry to say this, but Linux is a huge pain in the ass, and I doubt I will ever try it again for normal everyday use.

Game_boy, most of what you've said about Linux is true, except for the "easy to use" part.  Like twesterm, I've programmed in linux, and I'm sorry to say that it's just a tremendous pain to get everything working the way you want it.  Tons of customization features are nice, but not when half of them don't work right.

Also, a lot of "advantages" really aren't advantageous.

Linux is no faster than a proper Windows installation without all the crapware that OEMs preload computers with.  If you buy a computer from HP, you can uninstall all the crapware and have a blazing fast computer.

Windows is a lot cheaper than you think.  The retail price tag may be $200, but OEMs pay much, MUCH less to install it on your computer.  Additionally, they actually get kickbacks from all the crapware they install (which is free for you to uninstall), essentially subsidizing the cost of your computer.  The vast majority of PC owners buy OEM computers, which are no more expensive with Windows installed than with Linux.

99% of viruses and spyware are caused through user error.  Someone opens an attachment, clicks a bad link in a phishing e-mail or IM conversation with someone they don't know, downloads what they think is a no-CD crack for the latest game, etc.  Don't do these things, and you will be just as virus-free in Windows as you would be in Linux.  I have owned my own PC since 1999, I have never installed antivirus software, and I have never been infected with viruses or spyware.

Stability issues plagued Windows 95, 98, and ME, but not NT, 2000, XP, or Vista.  The release of XP and the end of the 9X line pretty much put an end to stability problems.  The only thing that can crash Windows now are buggy drivers.

Linux zealots, Mac zealots, Firefox zealots, whatever kind of zealots are out there are all the same.  It's all hype hype hype, and they can never get it through their heads that not everyone is exactly like them.  The condescending attitude of these zealots is what really pisses me off.  BlueVette, you give a really great example of this: "Hey, it's totally cool if you don't want to expand your computer with Linux."  What a line, you sound like a used car salesman.

And money is not the only issue for people.  Asking people to install a new OS is asking a lot!  Most people would have to repartition their hard drive, and unless you're equipped with something like Partition Magic, that requires reinstalling Windows and all your Windows apps on a newer, smaller partition, and then installing Linux on another partition.  It takes hours of use to acclimate yourself to a new OS.  They have entire semester-long college courses on how to find your way around in a UNIX environment.  People just don't have that kind of time.

It just wouldn't be a Linux thread without the FUD. If this thread gets to two pages, I'll have to post another one.

 then is mac another unholy faction going against your oh so great master Microsoft?

Do you realize half the problems that Microsoft Windows OS's truly have? How slow Windows actually is?

 Why do you think most server computers run better and more stable running linux over Windows Server edition (idk what year we are up to for editions)?

 Its because its a better system in general.

As for difficulty, its a matter of what version of linux you have; for example; Lindows is easy as hell because its the windows OS ripped apart and distributed freely.  

@Entroper - Partitioning a hard drive isnt THAT hard. Really I could have sworn I saw an option somewhere Microsoft proves to do it somewhere in the XP OS. Forget what file menu though.