What Stops You from Using Linux?

[Karenwhe]

I think Google + Ubuntu are the 2 main reasons why Linux will (over the next 10-20 years) becomes a SERIOUS threat to Windows. Why? Because you basically have GEEKS who have turned into BUSINESS PEOPLE so the crucial missing block of economics is being filled in.

There I agree completely, give it that time and of course, it is a valid and very real possibility. Especially because both Google and Ubuntu are backed by serious money, deep pockets and business savvy to get it done.

[Dave A]

... but who does the last statement sound like? Maybe Microsoft?

The ultimate irony. And don't think for a moment Bill is not aware of it.

A quick check of my webstats showed me that 0,5% of all users used Linux in 2005. Today 3 years later 4.6% of all my visitors use Linux. That is considerable growth.

Debbie - what are you using to generate those stats. You might be including the bot count and internal visits. Here is a shot of the last 30 days worth of "real visitor" visits here using Google Analytics and Linux comes in at 0.76%



I also checked for the last 6 months - 0.80%

I believe things are changing a bit faster these days because giants like Google now have a vested interest in the uptake of Linux.

The big G is already being seen as the enemy in some quarters. It's funny in a way. We've got people cheering for Live to do better on search. We've got much the same people cheering for Google to do better on OS.

I can't see the inherent maverick nature of the Linux disciples letting Google be their lead dog.

[duncan drennan]

The Windows vs. Linux debate is all about a platform (OS), and most people don't care about the platform. The platform is really just a framework for applications which provide certain outcomes (the web is another platform). Very few people care about platforms (programmers mainly) and lots of people care about outcomes, which means that lots of people care about applications.

Most of the best open source applications run on all the OS'es available (e.g. Firefox), so that really makes the choice of OS for an average office worker irrelevant.

There is probably a relatively short list of things that most people think about,

• Can the OS run my applications?
• What is the cost?
• Is the OS cool enough for my community?
• Is it stable?

Cost is a mute point, as Windows "free" (it comes installed on just about every computer you buy). For desktop applications WinXP is just as stable as Linux (viruses could be the only thing to argue here). Cool depends on your community (any graphic designers using Windows or Linux? Nope, they all use Macs).

So arguing desktop OS is really misdirected, as most people care about applications (outcomes actually, but applications help them get there).

[Norri]

I can't see the inherent maverick nature of the Linux disciples letting Google be their lead dog.

Then you don't understand GPL. It has nothing to do with leading or following.

The licence basically forces anyone who modifies a piece of software covered by the licence, who then distributes that software, to distribute the changes under the same licence. Thereby allowing continuous (and unstoppable) progress.

There is no leader.

There are simply those who guide the process by investing in that PART of the process that serves them. In doing so, whether they like it or not, they serve the rest of the "system". The system being the opensource movement. That is the power of this movement. And it really is unstoppable. The proof in that pudding is in the very fact that people with money are investing in it. They've tried to ignore it for decades now, hoping it would die but that won't happen because the software itself has life (through the hands of its numerous creators).

[Debbiedle]

Debbie - what are you using to generate those stats.

Hi Dave - AW STATS from Hetzner. I hear you on the internal and therefore checked a second website that we run that targets the international market as opposed to my site that is geared toward South Africans
2005 = 0.8%
2008 = 5.1%

Then because I got on a roll, I looked at the stats on my kids site - SA target age 16 - 26
2005 - Nul
2008 = 4.5%

[Norri]

Most of the best open source applications run on all the OS'es available (e.g. Firefox), so that really makes the choice of OS for an average office worker irrelevant.

True but it also has the side-effect of introducing people to the concept of opensource, free stuff. I remember many years ago, when I started looking at PHP and Apache (on Windows) I thought, "Wow, if they have this for free, I wonder what else they have."

And so began my journey into the world of opensource, linux, etc.

[Karenwhe]

......... also has the side-effect of introducing people to the concept of opensource, free stuff. I remember many years ago, when I started looking at PHP and Apache (on Windows) I thought, "Wow, if they have this for free, I wonder what else they have."

Exactly what I was trying to explain in the 100 free books example.

[Dave A]

Debbie - you got me wondering what my AW Stats would look like then. Looking at June there is a difference, but not that much when it comes to Linux. The big difference was Mac.



In terms of obvious stat generation differences, I notice AW Stats does the calculation based on hits whereas Google Analytics does it on visits.

I'm going to ask for feedback on this from some big board sites.

[Debbiedle]

Would be interesting to see the feedback Dave - our sites are not related to PC or PC users in any way. I suspect that there will be a marked difference in stats when looking at those sites as well.

[Norri]

Not that any thread needs a conclusion but, nonetheless, my personal conclusion to this thread is that you can't (yet) figure out the 1 or 2 things that are stopping people from using Linux in their businesses because, right now, there are FAR more 1 or 2.

For me, it's a different story because I started off as a Linux geek and gave myself business and marketing skills along the way. For the average computer user and business owner, it's still a massive struggle but they (the Linux community) are definitely making significant headway, especially with the like of Ubuntu (+ everything Shuttleworth) and Google helping the process along.

Chances are, if it wasn't for Ubuntu, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. Linux would still VERY much be a server thing and not stand a chance in hell on the desktop. Right now, it stands a very good chance in hell. But only there. For now :P

Thanks for the great input guys, was a fun debate and I hope it continues!

[kernel32]

You deserve some serious credit for keeping an open mind Norri. Usually the Linux/Windows fights are based on personal experience and personal preference. Stating the facts like you did, doesn't happen too often. I couldn't help but agree with you. Linux is not ready for the desktop yet, but we have to give the opensource guys some credit for getting this far. Linux might be ready for a real fight some day.

Personally, I think they should stop adding features, and concentrate on perfecting the current set. It's not just them though, I've been working on the same project for over 4 years. 5% of the work goes into improving old stuff. 45% goes into bug fixes on the old stuff. The other 50% goes into new features. 80% of these new features weren't requested by anybody, they just seemed like a good idea at the time (to the boss). Pretty damn frustrating!!!

[duncan drennan]

This article on The Featuritis Curve is worth a read. There was another post with a graph that I saw somewhere which basically said that features with open source products grow linearly with time.

It really has to do with the type of people involved in a project. Hackers (and tinkerers) like to play with new features, and maintenance does not fulfil that need. The thing is, turning a good product into a great product requires sanding, finishing, polishing (and more polishing). Being able to say No is what can turn a good product into a great one.

[Dave A]

You deserve some serious credit for keeping an open mind Norri.

I'd like to support that thought too. I was tempted to come back on the difference between ownership and leadership, but Norri nailed the real core issue here - the difference between server and desktop expectations! To be fair, if you look at his opening post it was clear that he had already identified this as a major issue.

The thing is, turning a good product into a great product requires sanding, finishing, polishing (and more polishing). Being able to say No is what can turn a good product into a great one.

Which reminds me - got two little pieces of sanding and polishing to do here