I just say that because every Linux loser cries "Oh Linux has had that for blahblah years" and now everyone gets touchy when I point out that withought Windows hardware, Linux would cease to exist.
When you say "Linux loser", you're destroying any possibility of an intelligent person seeing an argument.
But to again try to explain, here's the difference:
- Microsoft adds flashy 3d graphics their own. They call it a "revolutionary new interface". Apple and some Linux desktops already did that. It's not revolutionary.
- Microsoft adds a few security features that are present in other operating systems. They call it a revolutionary security system. It's not revolutionary.
- A Linux user reverse engineers a Windows driver. They say, "I reverse engineered a Windows driver".
- A Linux user reverse engineers a bunch of Windows' DLLs and Libraries. They say, "Look, we made a windows compatibility layer!". Honesty!
The difference? Linux developers aren't trying to sell your their OS. They aren't making any money. They're never going to be famous or make a living developing Linux software. Linux developers are doing what they can to help the greater good.
Microsoft is trying to sell their OS, because they're making money. They're going to over-sell features and over-state capibilities, because that's going to make them more money in the long run.
Now, perhaps it's a personal thing, but I like honesty. If there's one thing I want and need from a person/software/company, it's honesty. That's why I don't trust Microsoft, that's why I don't trust Cisco, and that's why I don't trust politicians. They are all known bullshitters. Maybe that's ok for you, but it's not for me.
And to respond to MyndFyre's post awhile back -- I happen to prefer using a commandline. I like having the extra control that you just can't replicate with a GUI. Other people don't. That's fine too. In general, you can go either way on Linux, they don't force you down one road or another.
And to respond to Warrior's assertion that Windows Vista is going to kill Linux -- Haha! I can't think of any Linux user that would leave his OS for something as bloated and expensive as Windows Vista. They don't start using Linux for fun, they start using it because they believe in the ideals that Linux represents.