The problem with Linux is that Ubuntu is the closest a Linux distro has come to mainstream usability so far and, whilst the netbook release is certainly very easy to pick up and use, the default gnome desktop is ridiculous! It’s the most desolate, forboding and menacing dektop I’ve ever seen.

Linux’s choice of filesystem names still really, really needs to be looked at. There’s no point being able to drag in a new file and have it start working immediately if you don’t know where to drop it! The file tree makes no sense to a new user whereas Windows has appropriately named folders.

I love Ubuntu for general tasks on my netbook but it’s not ‘ready for the desktop’ yet, it’s merely the closest distro yet.

The simple fact of the issue is that Linux’s merits are:

1) server-usage
2) an OS for hobbyists
3) a kernel that can be custom-hacked to turn into specialized systems, as in the case with Google.

As a desktop OS, it’s a total joke. The fanboys, at some subconscious level, realize this. That’s why they inflate and exaggerate Linux’s “advantages”, particularly about non-issues. They don’t realize or don’t accept that the rest of the world doesn’t care about spinning desktop cubes, brown-themed windows and menus, being able to read source code, the ideological baggage of open source or installing an OS on obscure devices.

Desktop Linux’s issues are legion, and no amount of evangelism or goodwill is going to resolve them. Once Linux doesn’t have upstream which constantly breaks updates and once Linux has useful programs which are on par or better than commercial programs… well, then Linux won’t need its army of spindoctors because it will be able to sell itself.

Speaking of spindoctors… Jason, are you aware of this guy?

http://www.manucornet.net/pcjacking/

He goes around sticking Linux CDs on display PCs at computer stores to “protest” the sales of Windows, and encourages others to do the same. Now, call me crazy, but isn’t that vandalism?

“I can use the same OS on my phone and my computer.” I’ve not heard anyone say that. In fact if anything some friends boast about having Windows phones for some reason…

“I can use different Window managers and customize it to look any way I want.” That’s not the point, different window managers can be used by different OEMs. It’s customisable for them. Linux is much more suited to netbooks for this reason (aswell as Linux being lighter on resources with lightweight GUIs, and having better support for ARM CPUs)

Things like “I am trying to install this photo program that came with my digital camera and when I stick the CD in nothing happens.”

On Ubuntu, when i plug in my camera and turn it on, it asks if i want to import my photos. It just works. (It’s a Kodak btw)