I would be very interested to learn about the conditions of the “test” (and Ill certainly check the link).

The issue as I see it is as follows, the Windows platform has long been accepted as the norm by the majority of both home and business users. We are now at a situation where the average user is more computer literate than they were 10 years ago, and instead of making allowances for any problems they may encounter whilst using the Windows platform, is now saying “Why am I paying for this when it doesnt work as I expect?” “Why does my system need upgrading merely to run the OS?” and “Why do I repeatedly need to consider new security issues?”

Linux in particular is no longer the remit of the computer expert, and there are plenty of distros who aim their releases at the first time Linux user.

It does not matter if the opinions on the net are simply formed from people reading other posts, the fact is Vista does have issues, Vista is not sitting well with people who want to remain with XP and above all else, MS seem to be investing their money in silly ads and talking about Windows 7.

On the reverse side though, I do not believe Linux will magically take over the majority overnight. Linux has issues with hardware compatibility and the fact that certain tasks do require people to “get their hands dirty” with the CLI.

For me (who is a devout supporter of software freedom) even I do not want Linux to become as “mainstream” as Windows. I believe the majority of Windows users with their “one click fix,100%pnp compatibility & gfx over functionailty” attitude are largely responsible for the digital monster that is todays Windows. That is something I would not like Linux to become and feel that should the demands of these users come over to Linux, we too would end up with a binary slug of an OS.

So what is the future for Windows? In my opinion customers will continue to move over to alternatives in much the same way they always have, I dont think the current credit crisis will have helped in the uptake of Vista, and if the rumours that Windows 7 will not be natively backward compatible are true, then I believe Windows 7 will be “crunch time” for the platform.

Why cant MS understand that the majority of users want a compact and functional operating system without all the silly bells and whistles? If they had, then we wouldnt be having this discussion now. Id certainly be running Windows at home if this was the case.

Software freedom for me is about choice, if a user decides that Windows is best for them and that decision is reached through an informed decision, then great.

Interesting article by the way!
Goblin[RFD]