Re:Socratesfoot
Apple is frequently compared to and judged on it's ability to run Windows Programs and has been for years. It is only in the last few years that a core group of popular software (including iTunes) has made the Apple OS interesting/mainstream enough to the average user for them to consider moving toward it. I think Linux (and Ubuntu specifically) is making great strides in the direction of usability and features. There are a number of interesting utilities/software for Linux, but I am not sure that there is really that "killer app" that would drive people to it yet. The "App Store" (or whatever you want to call it on each platform) is also making it easier. I would say that also goes a long way toward making it easier for the average home user to begin to adopt Linux and Apple. Microsoft has seen this and is working to develop an AppStore also. The popularity of Android (and possible Meego also) may also have some impact on Linux (although it is a fork from the main OS), as Android may drive more people to develop Applications (games, Productivity Applications, etc...) that have the possibility of be compiled for various Linux distros. It will be interesting to see if Linux vendors embrace Android (and Vice Versa) and they help each other move the OS forward as a whole.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
