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I have been running a Linux desktop for nearly two years now, first Suse 10 and now Ubuntu 7.x. For those who have not been watching, Linux on the desktop is all grown up now and ready to take on almost any task with open source software that will be at least adequate for 90% of personal computer users.
Of course, I could say that Unix-Linux actually extends to the Mac since Apple no longer develops an OS, but simply puts it's GUI on top of BSD Unix. That is really not much different than what Novell [Suse] and Canonical [Ubuntu} are doing.
I also have to observe that most personal computer users do not replace their systems every 2-3 years. Two decades ago that was common and continues to be common for enthusiasts. For the more typical user, upgrades and replacements are postponed until they are absolutely necessary. Here, Linux and maybe the Mac have the advantage of a small and efficient OS kernel that does not require massive upgrades to run Vista or whatever succeeds it.
Just don't continue with the old MS vs. Mac paradigm. Linux has grown up and is here to stay.
