I’ve been on Linux for years. At work I have to use Windows, but at home I only boot into XP when doing Access work for somebody or to remote desktop into a computer far away to fix their database problems. So, I prefer Linux far and away above Windows. I use Debian Lenny 64 bit on an AMD processor. It doesn’t tell me what to do with stupid pop-up windows going off all the time. I know how to disable some of them.
One reason Linux didn’t take hold is that more than 90% of computer users couldn’t care less about computers. The majority have never seen a Linux desktop GUI, like Gnome or KDE. Neither have most salesmen at most stores selling computers. I work with these people. To tell the truth, I don’t want most of them on Linux, they’d contaminate it. They are Windows monkeys who should stick to Windows, which most of them couldn’t care less about either.
I’ve told some small computer stores where people know Linux to put together a small business package with Open Office, GnuCash, a database and what most small businesses need. The software savings compared to Windows is several thousands. They don’t want to. Everybody knows about Windows and that’s all they want. And in any case, end users steal most Windows applications anyway. So, cost is not a factor. I still have to hear about anyone caught and fined for pirating software.