Linux rocks; if you have a netbook, a GPS, a portable media player or any of a number of gadgets chances are it's running Linux under the hood. That's because Linux is reliable, it's versatile, it's robust and it has no licensing fees. So why isn't it mainstream in the desktop world? Here's why.

In one sense, the Redmond monopoly is self-perpetuating. The first reason Linux doesn't have a stronger foothold in the market is because Windows is already there.
For most people their first experience with a computer is Windows. That's the operating system bundled with almost every desktop and laptop you can buy from retail outlets.

Consequently, any competing operating system is at a disadvantage from the beginning: unless a person seeks out Linux or is introduced to it in some way there will be no catalyst for change. Even if the computer operator grumbles about Vista's many foibles, they will lump it often not realising that a choice exists.

Here is where it becomes self-feeding. ASUS last year brought out their diminutive 7” Eee Linux PC. At the time this was not known as a netbook, because that moniker did not exist – until it had to be coined so it could be assigned to the faddish craze that this very same Eee brought to life.

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