Some of my friends are getting rid of Windows and using Linux. Mostly because of Bill Gates's new policies and tactics, like calling Microsoft everytime you need a key for software you already bought?! (Windows XP).
He''s getting ready to make more changes that is going to make Windows users look for a different OS. I''ve been reading IT newsletters of his plans and they''re not good. I think Microsoft is cutting their own throat. Linux is probably fully aware of this! Good for them! I would consider changing over.

I totally agree about the activation thing. I understand they need to protect their "property" but when your a crazy computer user who is never satisfied with how your computer runs or you have major problems with your laptop (me) you need to reinstall every now and then. It really is a pain in the butt!! >
It''ll be interesting to see how this UnitedLinux does. If it has half as many features and didn''t freeze my computer every hour I would certainly switch!

UnitedLinux sounded like a good idea at first glance. Unfortunately, the main push behind UL is to develop a standard *SERVER* Linux baseline. Workstation/developer/end-user baseline is not part of the plan (yet).

I can replicate about 70% of my Windows environment under Linux, but that last 30% is going to take some time. I''m still waiting for PPTP/L2TP for tunneling to my corporate network, DirectX for gaming, better 3D hardware support, Exchange connectivity, writeable NTFS support, and better ease-of-use features (Ever try changing resolutions or refresh rates? It can be done, but not easily or intuitively.)

Linux has a good thing going for it, but one thing they don''t have is PC games. Linux might go over yith the adults, but kids will stick to Microsoft. Most of the people I know have never herd of Linux, of corse, they all think aol is best!

I use Windows (XP) and Linux, side by side. Linux has come a long way in the desktop arena, but there are still a few gotchas in terms of games and other third party applications. I think that except for those, if you set up a linux box with KDE and had some desktop icons for the internet and email, most people wouldn''t have any trouble using it.

There are things I like and dislike about both platforms, and there''s room for improvement in both. I do think that Microsoft is losing some of their grip on the market, mostly due to eggregious licensing terms and an unfortunate tendency to treat all of their customers as criminals (who are apparently waiting breathlessly to take every opportunity to steal the next shiny thing out of the box).

IMHO, that''s how MS could eventually lose the desktop. People do not like being viewed with suspicion at every turn, and eventually, they will abandon any provider who behaves this way. And Linux is only getting better

Enjoy

I can't believe that Linux companies are actually working together instead of against each other now. They are finally learning.