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But even as Linux is making strong progress in the server enterprise market, it is expected to struggle to find the same kind of success in the enterprise and consumer, mass-market desktop arena.

The MAJOR reason is a basic lack of information in today's highly monopolistic environment. It is often expressed by the statements "I didn't know there were any other options." or "Windows just came with my computer, so I use it."

The mass deception ensures that people think:

OPERATION SYSTEM = WINDOWS
SPREADSHEET = EXCEL
WORD PROCESSOR = WORD
INTERNET = INTERNET EXPLORER

Some common misconceptions as basis of Windows monopoly:

1 The assumption that the majority must be right. This is best expressed by the statement "If more than 90% of the world uses Microsoft, it must be the best option ... Right?"	The fact that 90% of computer users have a Microsoft operating system on their computer is more reflective of Microsoft's monopolistic practices than the quality of its products. Their per processor royalties made hardware manufacturers pay Microsoft a fee for every computer they sold, even if it didn't have Windows on it. Please do your own research on this topic here. Most people use what they buy and because computers come pre-installed with Windows, it is the operating system of "choice". Microsoft is the choice of the majority because the majority didn't have a choice.
2 The assumption that there is a relationship between cost and quality.. The actual statement is often given in the converse: "If Open Source software is free, it can't be that good."	Cost means only Profit, pure and simple. All proprietary software makers on first place make profit not quality products. Quality is only side-effect! If there is a monopoly quality is sidelined as for higher quality one must increase production cost. The spirit of the Open Source community is one of collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition. Programmers derive satisfaction from developing excellent software and making it available to anyone in the world, regardless of their income to try to enhance their life and work.
3 A misconception about the relationship between Microsoft and technology.These are people who say, "But I'll have to give up the latest technology if I use Linux and open source."	To be honest, Microsoft has rarely been the leader in technological developments. Microsoft buys the technology from the companies that develop it. Or more accurately stated, Microsoft often buys the companies that develop the technology. Ever heard of Hotmail story? It was one of the dot coms that had a great idea first: web based e-mail. Microsoft bought them up early, took their technology and now Hotmail is synonymous with Microsoft. Interestingly enough, when Microsoft first converted the freeBSD (another open source operating system) servers used by Hotmail to its own Microsoft servers, they couldn't handle the volume, so Microsoft put the freeBSD system back in place. That gives us an idea of how cutting edge Microsoft is. Finally, if you like to be on the "bleeding edge" of software development, Linux is for you. You can literally run the code today that was written last night.
4 Sorry state of public education at all levels. Majority of schools assume their students have a computer at home that can run Windows based programs.If you can't, you are at a disadvantage.	Microsoft Windows monopoly is entrenched in IT education. Transformation of IT education to IT training is practically finished. Students are trained how to use particular Microsoft product not educated about topics in general so we have mass perception: Word processing = Microsoft Word Operating System = Windows Internet = Internet Explorer There is a distinction between the terms "trained" versus "educated".The distinction is more than one of breadth and specificity.That is, while the notion of education may imply a more general and broader coverage of a topic, it is meant to indicate a deeper learning than what might be found in mere training. Learning involves the development of a conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills compared to the procedural rituals of training. Computing involves experimenting, adapting and sometimes convoluted problem solving beyond the realm of even extensive training.Computing requires the development of an intelligent intuition that promotes insight and educated guessing..

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