The problem I'm finding with non-Microsoft software is that many websites seem to be written using IE based protocols that mean they don't work properly (or at all) in Firefox, Konqueror etc. My new computer has only Linux on it and hopefully will stay that way, but I'm still going to have to use my laptop with XP on it for certain sites...

It is up to us as individuals to make it clear to the websites in question that they are in danger of losing business as a result of their lazy approach to website design.

Email the webmaster with your complaint, explaining that you will take your business elsewhere, as you cannot access their website with your non-IE browser.

If enough people do this, then change will happen.

If no-one complains then the status quo will be maintained.

Of course, MS may just release IE for Linux :p

SD

Operating Systems:

Windows ("Windoze"!) has been steadily improving for the has several releases. I went from 95 to 98 and 98R2, stayed with that for ages and finally went to XP when it came with a new laptop.

I find XP is stable, and pretty good as long as you ignore the "sales talk" that says "designed for XP" when there's only 256Megs of RAM - yes it's fine, as long as you don't have a very demanding need! Should be at least 512Megs (I'm running with 1.3GB)

I once (twice actually) tried to load Linux on an old desk-top, and couldn't get that to work, so I'm very wary of trying to install it onto a laptop (drivers for screen, touchpad, power, etc) Linux still seems to be the "OS for Geeks" and, although I'm pretty competant with Windows, I'm not sure I have the time to learn all about the penguin!

My other concern for Linux is the software availability - I know many writers do releases for Linux, but I just know that some of the little apps that I use won't be available for Linux - even though it's supposed to be the OS that will save you having to upgrade to a bigger,faster computer every 2 or 3 years! It's just got to become more "user friendly" - If I could install Linux as easily as I can install Windoze and it's apps, then Bill Gates would get no more of my money (yes! I have licensed Windows!)

I'm a bit fed up that installing software on Linux is so difficult. I wanted to put avidemux on my computer, but the rpm file I found has so many dependencies that aren't on the SuSE DVD that I gave up in the end. I suppose I could try compiling it from source, but it does seem a pity.

Can't get .avi files to play on my computer either - Google recommends "mplayer" but similar story to above, even with a SuSE 10.1 RPM...

That said, all I did under Windows was web browsing/e-mail/photo editing/sync my Palmpilot/play card games :) - Linux copes with all of those admirably...

I don't think the company cares that you can only access the intranet on IE...