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Unlike the myths that are behind the prevention of Linux adoption, this piece will closely examine the indisputable obstacles and what will have to be done to overcome each of them.
In the past, many desktop Linux users have opted to simply point to the hardware industry or Microsoft as the root cause of a lack of mainstream adoption. In reality, there are actually core issues extending beyond hardware -- and competition from the proprietary markets -- that simply must be dealt with head on.
With that said, hardware compatibility and competition from closed-source vendors are valid issues, just not solid core excuses for the lack of mainstream interest. Here are the real hurdles:
Hurdle 1: Consistency and perception
One of the most annoying factors I find is the lack of consistency with select Linux distributions. As luck would have it, the most popular of the lot also happens to be the biggest offender. Ubuntu, based on Debian, is the worst offender when considering the onslaught of feature and compatibility regressions. Wireless chipsets that worked flawlessly in one release are hosed in the next, suddenly hacks are needed to get Canon scanners working that proved to work quite smoothly just a release ago -- the list goes on.
To be clear, this is an Ubuntu issue, not really an desktop Linux issue. But I find it relevant, because most new users form their perceptions of desktop Linux when they use a distro such as Ubuntu. And while purists will point out that this type of regression issue could have been by simply using Debian "proper," the fact remains that most users, despite many recent usability improvements, would be lost using Debian.
So what about PCLinuxOS, SimplyMepis, and Freespire? Wouldn't they be suitable compromises? Sure, so long as the user is interested in half the reverent/updated documentation and a fourth the support community. All three are strong distros, but each lacks the cutting-edge feel of Ubuntu, hence why we always end up back at square one with Ubuntu being perceived as representative of desktop Linux for newcomers.
Hurdle 2: Mobile device support is a joke
This one is undeniable, unless someone has been drinking from the Kool-Aid again. Pick up any casual mobile phone, PDA, Blackberry, or PocketPC. Now find a simple means of getting it to sync with your Linux distribution that does not require a ton of tweaking.
But let me be completely fair about this and point to some bright spots:
ScheduleWorld: One of the most accessible implementations of a strong syncing option, the portable device is still lagging greatly. It is however, quite usable for local and web based calendering syncs.
Blackberry: While there is a Funambol solution of sorts, do not expect it to work nearly as cleanly as it would in other operating systems. Ubuntu users for instance, have a nice thread to demonstrate the hassles to be expected -- loads of fun there.
PocketPC: Unless you are using a very dated release of Windows Mobile, just forget it.
For most people, going with over-the-air server solutions are the best bet, but open source options that do not require a lot of work, or spending money on a full server, are few. Many have simply opted to use DSLExtreme and their hosted Exchange solutions.
Hurdle 3: Finding compatible software when switching OSes is difficult
Now it's true that resources like osalt.com have made this tremendously easier for users coming off of a proprietary desktop. But it is unfortunate that resources like this are not immediately available. They're often not found until the frustration of looking for alternatives becomes set in during a Linux migration.
And even at that, the issue of switching applications and finding them truly usable is still a bit all over the map. My favorite example has to be GIMP vs. PhotoShop or Final Cut Pro vs. anything open source. GIMP may provide a no-cost alternative to PhotoShop, try telling the PhotoShop user that GIMP is a replaceable solution to their preferred app and they will laugh at you. The biggest complaint from new GIMP users is the messy work-flow -- pure and simple.
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