Linux has come a LONG way as a desktop OS. The only big problem that still remains, and this has always been a problem, is hardware support. Really this isn't as much of an OS problem as it is hardware vendors not being prompt about creating compatible drivers.
I recently built a new computer using all the best components from newegg. I planned on installing Linux for the OS only to find no Linux distros yet support Intel's DG965WG motherboard. I can't even get a Ubuntu or SLAX live CD to boot because of it. I've read others are having this problem, and I expect drivers will be forthcoming. Right now it's just a waiting game. Who knows, there may be drivers now. I haven't checked in the last month or so.
Yes, I’m well aware of that—however, a lot of the people I work with just can’t use it because even now, it requires some technical savvy (I’ve handled problems with people who don’t know how to do really basic things such as save a file in Word or open IE)
I know I can use it (and I do)—and I recommend Linux to those who’re familiar with their computers (you should know me enough here 8^)
Here, I speak about the public as a whole—which IMHO includes not only people who are simply unfamiliar with computing, but outright n00bs as well. Suffice it to say, these people would be lost if I threw them in front of a Mac desktop, let alone a Linux one.
True, there’s xpDE, and KDE has come further along, but it’s still not yet at the point where it can slaughter MS and Windows.