It's a battle that's currently being faught mainly by the geeks I'm afraid but there is hope in the UMPC market because of the likes of the EEE PC from Asus. Many new users are opting for the cut-down Linux machines because they don't know any different and they're finding (to the benefit of the Linux community) that these machines can accomplish just as much as a Windows machine... hopefully more manufacturers will not bow down to the MS incentives being offerred and also produce more Linux machines... Having said all that I still believe that Linux needs to be made a little more friendly before it will really win the hearts of the mainstream users.
It's WAAAAYYYYY more than that. There are plenty of "techies" out there that don't bother with PC Linux for many reasons from they like to keep up with the latest PC gaming to they don't want to spend the extra time picking through compatible applications or workarounds. Not a Linux hater, just throwing out my experience. I've always seen Linux vs. Windows to the PC world like custom bikes vs. Harleys to the biker community. Bill Gates doesn't care. He's been on record many times while he was labeled the richest saying it means nothing. He seems to be a simple guy that likes to go out with his family to the movies. I'm confused as to why you find it funny or even care. I can only assume you have personal issues with his success and trying to make yourself feel better by stating such.
I worship Linus, for creating this great OS, and offering for free. But the real God is Bill Gates, since he pulled out some cash on this niche.I think he is the man....
I like the features and speed of linux over windows any day, however more people use windows over linux