Linux desktop and breaking the monopoly

[torman]

This article in Datamation talks about "Linux Desktop: Seven Leading Applications."

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osr...le.php/3668636

What I'm wondering is, is one of these apps going to be the thing that allows Linux to break the MSFT monopoly? If not one of these, then what? When is the desktop going to be a level playing field so that the best OS can emerge based on user preference?

[carlosponti]

I never understood why people would want to. In principle Microsoft has its niche. Not to mention there is not an app alive that can break Microsoft's hold on the desktop as long as PC vendors are promoting and pre-loading desktop machines only with Windows. Nothing really needs to be done let things be as long as we have what we want to use.

[techieMoe]

What I'm wondering is, is one of these apps going to be the thing that allows Linux to break the MSFT monopoly? If not one of these, then what? When is the desktop going to be a level playing field so that the best OS can emerge based on user preference?

Personally, I don't care. I can use Linux on the desktop, you can use Linux on the desktop, millions of other people can. Does it really matter if there's more Linux desktops than MS Windows desktops?

[Oxygen]

Yeah... bragging rights...

[aysiu]

No application is going to break the monopoly.
http://www.psychocats.net/essays/linuxdesktopmyth

[carlosponti]

I want to add that I use Linux as a desktop primarily and I can see that the desktop is not a myth by any means but as a mass market product it will never be because it so fragmented. I am fine with that. I don't want Linux to become this mass market domination. I don't need it to be and in the long run no one here even for bragging rights would really want that. So far the reason Linux has its somewhat invulnerability is it anonymity.

[NewB4Life]

My most serious opinion is that it's all about "learning" desktop~linux~computing => if i can pick up, say D.s.L with Gimp,Firefox(blinged) and 'create' within an hour,.. then i'll love the experience and come back for more. On the other hand, if i'm looking at giving up a weeks' nights playing and tv, a whole weekend surfing etc, then i'll (obviously) 'think twice'

imho: that's the only problem ~thinking twice :: if you learnt linux fast it was because a friend was in the room who knew linux already ::: or you readreadreadreadread, this is great fun for some people, yaknow?