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> If you don't build software, you have pretty much zero incentive to use a linux desktop, especially when factoring in the monumental software compatibility hu

> If you don't build software, you have pretty much zero incentive to use a linux desktop, especially when factoring in the monumental software compatibility hurdles for non-technical users. I respectfully disagree. Ubuntu really works well for a lot of non-technical folks. A few of my non-technical family members run Ubuntu variants and have remarked at how much better it is than their old Windows 10 install. I don't think they'll be going back. Unless you've got strange hardware like a Mac, Linux for the most part "just works" these days. The biggest barrier to desktop Linux for your average citizen is that the advantages of FOSS, stability, and cost just aren't enough against the disadvantages of Windows. If Microsoft started charging people $1500/year to run desktop Windows, you'd see a lot of people look for alternatives.

root_axis 8y ago
I actually agree with everything you wrote there and have also switched some of my relatives over to a linux desktop. Unfortunately, a technical relative willing to set everything up isn't a practical path towards popular adoption. You have described the linux desktop as a viable alternative to Windows, but you haven't shown any incentive for someone to switch. I think the Linux desktop is a superior experience, but if it doesn't come preinstalled and preconfigured on commercial computers there is just no scenario where the average user will even get to use a linux desktop.
- chopin 8y ago
  We switched because of Microsoft spying. My daughter literally came to me and wanted me to install Linux on her new laptop. So, there is incentive.
  - root_axis 8y ago
    That's great, but "Microsoft spying" is something that most people don't care about and those that do are more likely to switch to Mac rather than even think of much less tinker with linux.
- rocky1138 8y ago
  I think the incentives of Linux over Windows are well known, it's just that they aren't enough for the average public to bother.

root_axis 8y ago

I actually agree with everything you wrote there and have also switched some of my relatives over to a linux desktop. Unfortunately, a technical relative willing to set everything up isn't a practical path towards popular adoption. You have described the linux desktop as a viable alternative to Windows, but you haven't shown any incentive for someone to switch. I think the Linux desktop is a superior experience, but if it doesn't come preinstalled and preconfigured on commercial computers there is just no scenario where the average user will even get to use a linux desktop.

chopin 8y ago
We switched because of Microsoft spying. My daughter literally came to me and wanted me to install Linux on her new laptop. So, there is incentive.
- root_axis 8y ago
  That's great, but "Microsoft spying" is something that most people don't care about and those that do are more likely to switch to Mac rather than even think of much less tinker with linux.
rocky1138 8y ago
I think the incentives of Linux over Windows are well known, it's just that they aren't enough for the average public to bother.