| Battle for the Desktop: why Linux isn't winning [LinuxGazette] |
Nov. 01, 2001
In this article at LinuxGazette.com, Dennis Field recounts his attempt to substitute Linux for Windows in a medium-sized bookstore (20 employees, $2.5+ million a year).
Field begins . . .
"Linux has several advantages over Windows; it's more stable, cheaper (free, if you're able to download it), comes with tons of free software and will happily run on systems too small for Windows. So why isn't Linux being used on most of the PCs in the world?"
"Some would say that the problem is that Linux is too clunky and difficult to use. While command-line Linux is certainly not for everyone, modern distributions include self-mounting CDs, drag & drop functionality and other modern conveniences. "There are still some rough edges to be smoothed out, but for the average web surfer or office worker a Gnome or KDE desktop is little different than Windows. So, again, why aren't more people using Linux? Perhaps my experiences will help to explain. The story you are about to read is true; only the names have been changed to protect the inept . . ."
Field concludes . . .
"Although I've had one college course each in both C and Linux, I still consider myself a Linux newbie. However, I am a fan of Linux, and would be delighted to see Linux start providing some mainstream competition to Microsoft. But doing so will require more than just technical achievement or even a user-friendly interface. It will require somebody providing some real customer service and support."
Read full story
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