It has been 3 years since the last time I run a Linux OS on my PC. (The last one I installed and deleted was then-called Mandrake Linux 9, if I remember correctly, which has been renamed to Mandriva Linux already.) In Cyber world 3 years means a LONG time, and in this case it is particularly true. Ubuntu Linux is a much much more usable OS for a normal user like me (human being) than those 3 years ago.
The way it handles software installation and updates, which could be headache even for experienced Linux user, is outstanding. The look-and-feel is refreshing; take the booting logo for example, the well designed high resolution "Ubuntu" logo looks much sexier than that of windows XP or Vista. With Compiz or Beryl 3D desktop, it really impresses novice/non-linux users, though some old Linux folks see it as pure eye-candy.
Most commercial software has Linux version and/or alternatives. The barriers now, as what concern me, preventing Linux from becoming the most popular are hardware drivers and commercial games. Both are likely to be proprietary and hence depend on support from third party companies. Those company will be willing to support when Linux get popular enough. That sounds exactly like a 'chicken and egg' problem! Well, so I guess we have yet to wait for long for that day to come. Probably a decade or even longer. With that said, I still look forward to the day when I open my laptop in front of someone, he would say something like "let's see which (linux) os you use."
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