As still a somewhat new Linux user (first installed it in June of this year), I think sadly Windows will remain as widly used as it is for at least a couple more years. More and more people are switching to Linux every day, which is great. But the fact of the matter is so many people buy their computers from makers like Dell and just use their computer for email, internet, word processing and video games. Yes Linux is up to the task of all of that (the gaming thing being the only limiting factor), people just see no reason to even think about something like Linux. Until Linux becomes a little more widely known and major PC makers decide to start selling PCs with Linux pre-installed, the majority just aren't going to use it. It is well on it's way to becoming a completely suitable replacement to Windows. Email and internet browsing is just the same, just different programs. Instant Messaging is just as good, if not better with GAIM and aMSN and such. Open Office is a perfect alternative to MS Office. MPlayer supports all the major media types and plays dvds. Linux has everything the desktop user needs, and I think that will start to be realized. I think Mandrake is the closest to the perfect desktop oriented distro for new users. I think once they reach 10 they'll have all the little bugs and quirks worked out and anyone will be able to use it. I'm really looking forward to the next few years of Linux and see how far it expands and reaches new people. Wow that was long, I'm done now...
On 07:03 Wed 22 Oct , Jimmy Rosen wrote: > Hi, > I'd be interested in a link to the open source CAD app in development, if > you've got the time. > > Thanks > Jimmy > > > On Wednesday 22 October 2003 01.53, Ernie Schroder wrote: > > On Tuesday 21 October 2003 09:16 am, Hall Stevenson wrote: > > <snip> > > > > > I've been using (dual-booting ... :-) ) Linux and Windows (98, ME, > > > 2000, XP) for 5 years. I don't believe Linux will replace Windows > > > anytime soon. > > > > > > > > > Hall > > > > > > > > > -- > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list > > > > I tend to differ with you Hall. As Linux gains in popularity, more > > and more presently "windows only" software packages will be ported > > over. In 2 or three years, I think anyone who wants to escape the > > "evil empire will be able to do so easily. > > Contrary to my signature, There is a Win98 box sitting on the floor > > next to my desk. The only time I fire it up is for a high end CAD > > program that a former employer supplied my with. If I wanted to spend > > some big bucks, I could buy a comparable CAD app for Linux (Pro/E > > Wildfire) but I don't have the cash to spare at this time. > > Probably within a year, there will be an open source parametric CAD > > application I check the as yet unnamed project's progress from time > > to time) and I will be able to turn the 98 box into an entertainment > > server. > > > -- > [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list > > -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list
