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How I Know the Linux Install Base is Growing
Author: HumanX | Friday February 06, 2004
LinuxDig.Com has been active since late 2000. And over the years I have watched the number of Linux users visiting the site grow, but lately....
The actual users visiting the site from Linux computers have grown to about 40%. That number used to hover around 25% and what that tells me is that more of LinuxDig.Com visitors are using Linux in the work place.
We read it in the magazines that Linux is growing and you may wander if those numbers are biased. But I can tell you, the install base is growing and growing at an explosive rate. This year Linux visits have doubled! When I say Linux visits, I mean visits that have come from Linux based browsers. Finally.
So what has spawned the growth? Well entire countries have adopted Linux for government, educational institutions are moving toward Linux, Microsoft products have gotten expensive, the public has no choice but seek other alternatives.
I have been a GNOME user for years and it has been rare that I dip into KDE. But, the other day I was having some Cut and Paste issues in GNOME and loaded “switchdesk” and up came KDE.
KDE has come along way, let me tell you. I was literally shocked at its usability and it large assortment of applications. You give KDE 2-3 more releases and it will be commercial grade. It is fantastic now, it is stable now. But it has a few little oddities that need to be worked out, but it is great. Great job KDE team!
Because KDE and GNOME have matured so, computer users have a free choice. And that choice is no longer one that leaves them in the land of the lost. Along with the application maturity, the documentation has matured.
I wrote an article last year and I said you give these two environments time and a viable desktop will come along that will be stable enough and easy enough for the home user. I think the time has arrived. Linux is ready for the home, and it does not take a commercial Linux Distro to get into the door.
Article by: HumanX
http://www.livingnet.net
http://www.humanx.com
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