Well linux has become an incredibly popular operating system choice with mostly the hard core geek set over the last few years. For the most part, its usability is mostly in the server space and not so much the desktop side of things, but they are doing alot of work on trying to create a comprehensive enviroment for daily use desktops.



The phenomenon that has become from what Linux started as, which was basically a small project by a university student in Finland a bit more than 10 years ago, into what it is today has been breathtaking to say the least.



I dont have any specific places or directions to point you in for more information regarding it, as there is a HUGE amount of resources available, and sorting through what is relevant to what you want and what is out there might be somewhat difficult.



The major philosophy and the driving force behind Linux, if it can be put into such a small nutshell, is the fact that the entire operating system has full source code available to any user free of charge, and not only can any person using it make changes to the way the system works, providing they have the programming skill to do it, this method is actively encouraged by the community and is what furthers its growth.



What it does give people is the access required to change something they dont like. If their computer is acting in a way they dont like, that can be changed without much difficulty. The driving force behind its userbase is the fact that they attempt to ensure stability above all else, which is something that Windows users tend to not enjoy to a great degree, and also explore realms in design and features that arent normally found in a commercial product.



Unfortunately, because of the nature of the Linux, there are countless different versions and packages and distrubutions, all sharing for the most part a common beginning and codebase, but operate in sometimes very different ways.



I think given some more time, it will mature into something useable by a larger number of computer users, but it is stll in its toddler stage and still having some growing pains at times.



The peope who use it though swear by it. I dont think I have ever seen a group of more determined zealots (meant in a nice way), to realizing their goals of having Linux take over the spot that Windows currently resides in usage numbers.



Commercial applications for Linux havent been adopted as much as the users might hope for it, and that should change in the future. Most of the commercial applications that do exist for it, are in the server and scientific side of things, but the application base is growing fast. In the next few years a significant amount of desktop related applications should emerge providing companies that make them are being supported by its user base.



It should be looked at as the next possible big thing in the computing world, and is from a internet server point of view already having a market share that astounds almost everyone.



The fact of its either very very low cost in a purchased box, or outright a free download ffor those that wish it, also fuel its acceptance.



One day we might all be using it, but that day is more than likely a significant time coming.





I tried to write this without my usual tilt and bias towards Linux that I usually show ( i have approx 40 unix machines covering about 15 variants none of them linux, and a bsd daemon tattoo on my shoulder), but if I havent, I apologize







Mike




You go in hard, and you go in fast.