Will linux ever be widespread?

[iObama]

I just downloaded ubuntu and its pretty cool. however, it still requires a lot of terminal work to install simple things.

i believe if they can get that issue out of the way, linux would be much more easily grasped

what is your opinion?

Of course this question comes from a Ron Paul supporter... Just kidding.

And no, I don't think it will ever be widespread. It's been around for long enough and it isn't that successful with the general market.

 

[xUKHCx]

Right now I could leave my house and go to at least 4 shops I know in the close vacinity and buy a machine with Linux installed on it and be back in the house (debit card allowing) within about 15 minutes.

These machines are sold along side OSX and Vista machines.

And with Dell selling machines with Linux on, you could suggest that they have become widespread

I just downloaded ubuntu and its pretty cool. however, it still requires a lot of terminal work to install simple things.

i believe if they can get that issue out of the way, linux would be much more easily grasped

what is your opinion?

I sometimes use Linux mainly for the average use such as word processing, internet browsing, installing some applications and I didn't have to use the Terminal once through this use.

For what my parents and most people with just a home computer these tasks are easily achievable without the use of terminal.

I think the main limiting factor for the adoption of Linux/OSX is the perceived need for Windows.

 

[cube]

The problem is not the ease of use. The real issue is that developers of commercial applications for the individual don't care of are afraid to support it.

 

[yoppie]

I installed Ubuntu a few weeks ago on Parallels. It's my first time playing with Linux and it's ok but I'm not a fan of having to do everything through the terminal. I want a simple OS (which is why I love Apple).

 

[BornAgainMac]

Linux will be widespread when Microsoft becomes the new Commodore, Apple becomes the new Microsoft, and Linux becomes the new Apple.

 

[danny_w]

I installed Ubuntu a few weeks ago on Parallels. It's my first time playing with Linux and it's ok but I'm not a fan of having to do everything through the terminal. I want a simple OS (which is why I love Apple).

That is exactly why I bought the mini when it first came out (my first Mac). I had tried Linux many times over the years and always ran into difficulties here and there. Mac OS X to me was Linux with the polish that I so desperately sought in Linux. I had used computers since before the days of personal computers, and now just wanted something easy to use for home, and OS X fit the bill nicely. In my view Linux still has not caught up and never will because of the lack of a central party to steer it.

 

[zap2]

If it does, it won't be in its current forum.

Ubuntu is a step in the right direction, and so are the "simple" version for mass use(but they might be over doing it)


Currently I think its still a little rough(I still like it!) and needs more 3rd party support. Like my webcam needs to work in FF out of the box.

 

[dukebound85]

ok another related question.

kde vs gnome? i saw theres ubuntu and kubuntu. is there any advantage of one over the other?

 

[belvdr]

It's personal preference. I use Gnome, but some people like KDE. Use whichever one you like best.