As much as I'd love Linux based installs to have more adoption, the reality is that 99.9% of consumer level desktop users don't know or care. Many wouldn't even be able to tell you what version of windows they are using.

Netbook usage trends highlight consumer reaction when faced with a Linux based system - it wasn't long before XP became the netbook OS of choice amongst those who DO know what operating system they are using.

Argue whichever way you wish, market forces tell the truth of it and for the most part, dictate it.

Familiarity and market dominance account for the bulk of this picture.

That can change, with significant OEM deals and investment in popular software versions for systems based on Linux.