As far as I'm concerned extremism of *any* form is bad news and the
truth is that there's a case for all sides so nobody is actually right
or wrong at all. I run Ubuntu because it's a stable, safe OS that does
what I want without fuss or hassle. Windows has its place, generally
on a poorly machine on my workbench - but hey, it pays the bills so I
ain't complaining

FWIW I've been quite impressed with Windows 7 and every time I do an
install I can't help thinking how much it's like Ubuntu - very little
needs to be typed in and all the hardware is detected / installed with
no need for running a second CD or downloading of drivers. I still
won't be tempted away from Ubuntu of course but it's not through any
evangelical crusade - I *like* Ubuntu, period !!

I've suggested Ubuntu to a few of my customers when I feel it's an
appropriate change and several have taken it up and liked it too. A
few didn't take to the change and converted back to Windows, but it
was their choice and at least they gave it a shot. For those that
changed back the number one reason was they liked the Windows versions
of Solitaire even though there was an Ubuntu one available. It just
wasn't identical and that's what they wanted to use again - sad, but
there you go and it was their decision after all which I respected. If
it lands them with a repair bill from fake AV infections or malware in
the future then so be it ( I do make sure they have protection but we
all know how easy it is for users to not keep up with this and also
click on something they shouldn't have ).

So when I hear the arguments raging about whether Linux is ready for
the desktop I just sigh and think 'here we go again'. Linux for the
desktop is already here but a mainstream breakthrough is just not
going to happen as the megalith of Redmond has the market well and
truly sewn up. Those of us who use Linux know what it can do and we
can try to expand the knowledge all we can but that's as much as we
realistically are able to do - i.e. nibble at the edges. The few that
have tried to take on Windows on their home turf have all come to
grief on way or another - Lindows / Xandros anyone ??