Loading ...Why Linux Desktop Does Not Spread - the Curse of Being Free
This is a philosophical post on why Linux hasn't grown to challenge Windows as the most popular operating system. From the blog post:
Linux isn't very popular on the desktop. It's a far third behind OS X, which is a very far second behind Windows. Most people cite pre-installed operating systems as the reason. But as a student of psychology, I see something most people don't. There's one big factor in why Linux isn't popular on the desktop. Linux is free. I know this sounds like complete dog's bollocks, but hear me out before judging my sanity.
My personal experience suggests that people don't use GNU/Linux on desktop because :
- Steep learning curve
- Software incompatibility or doesn't run the software they want
- Installing and obtaining drivers may be issue for average joe
- Finally, human psyche is complex subject. There are people who buy expensive apple hardware and install Linux on it. You just can't predicate human behavior.
I use Linux on desktop because I work with a Linux / UNIX server all day and I find that using it on the desktop as well actually makes my life easier. You know one-size-fits-all approach may be unrealistic in a real life. I see my workplace desktops fully loaded with mix of Linux, OS X and dominated by Windows XP pro.
=> Why Linux Doesn't Spread - the Curse of Being Free (via slashdot)
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Tags: apple hardware, average joe, bollocks, desktop linux, gnu linux, human behavior, human psyche, incompatibility, Linux, linux on desktop, operating systems, popular operating system, psychology, steep learning curve ~ Last updated on: February 18, 2008
This is really funny. One only has to look at the very post right before this one to see why it doesn’t spread…
Ok, Mom, now just type:
“$ sudo vi /etc/network/interfaces”
Right. Not in a million years.
Dustin,
Ditto. Average user will not touch it as long as user interfaces (CLI) require active participation to get work done. Hell many windows admin find it difficult to use vi and command line. Linux is very powerful OS and I can just tweak it the way I want it. That’s the part of problem. Most users don’t want to deal with command line, they just want to use bloody computer (PC/Mac) for surfing the web, chatting with buddied, download music and other stuff. Another issue limited application options (don’t tell me about wine). Linux is perfect for people like vivek and geeks but not for my mom and noob friends.
– Raj
Mac OS X is simply *the best* operating system available. Tell me why Linux users, IT pepople geeks etc all; only prefers to use MacBook - I’ve seen more MacBooks at conferences ever… Linux is good for server, period.
I think there is a very simple reason average pc users don’t switch to gnu/linux: no need. for 95% they buy pcs with windows pre-installed and are satisfied with it for what they do. Buying a pc with no pre-installed wundows is nontrivial and does not yield any substantial financial benefits.. no incentive to do that.
I see it different.
The most poeple don’t use Linux because, Windows is all ready installed on the most buying Systems.
LOL
It is easy to crack Software and things like this.
When i need Software for a Windows PC i go to my neighbor or my neighbor of the other side of the road.
The most people use Windows will it is easy to become cracked Software.
And they are thinking: “Windows running out of the Box”
That’s the important think for me.