I'd counter that with the point that people learn to live with Windows quirks, they don't know anything else exists, and assume that Windows must be the best because it's everywhere. They may not like it, but they ain't changing to Linux because of it. Yes there's always some that get tot a tipping point that they explore and switch, yes that number is growing, but it's balanced out by people who just accept what they have, and think the cost of using a PC is that it only lasts a few years and you have to go buy a new one.h8r wrote:And, as a corollary, we see the amount of people frustrated with and willing to abandon Windows expanding.
It's the abused spouse syndrome, no matter how bad it gets you always assume it was a bad day, that the alternative is worse, if there is any alternative, that the upheaval of change is not worth it. The common use of the term "PC virus" plays into this, when there's no such thing. There is a "Windows virus", but calling it a PC virus plants the idea that no matter where they go, they're in the same boat, so they may as well stick with the devil they know. Not only that, but Windows skilled people are ten a penny, so they have no problems getting people who can help, even if they do need to keep shelling out cash.
Those who do know how to fix Windows have built up years of knowledge to become power users specialised in Windows. They go back to being newbies with Linux, until they rebuild those skills in Linux. Some are cross platform, many are not. Being a power user is an important ego thing for many people, whatever their skills. People look up to them, make them feel important. That alone is often enough to have people dig their heels in to stay on something that gives them that ego trip without any additional learning.
Canonical are making money, just not enough to break even. Mark Shuttleworth bankrolled Ubuntu for some years, long enough to give it time like any new business, to gradually break even, then turn a profit. His original time limit expired a couple of years ago. His choice was to stick to his plan and pull out of bankrolling Ubuntu knowing it'd be in SERIOUS problems, or hang on for another year or two to see it over the brink. He chose to hang on in there, it's still not profitable. This is why we see various business orientated decisions handed down from Canonical on Ubuntu, they're looking for any way they possibly can to make more money.h8r wrote:Oh, and guess what? Ubuntu is a business and finds capital on the market.
Canonical know home user desktop Linux is never going to be an earner, so do RedHat and Novell (now defunct). They know the money lies in enterprise support contracts, where Windows is king, and when Linux comes into it bot RedHat and Novell were the default go-to guys with years of experience at just that. RedHat have their own certs for engineers too. Canonical was always going to struggle. I hope it does go on to be profitable and successful, but so far it's still not at that tipping point.
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