The major question we need to answer: Should Linux focus on wide-spread adaption? If the answer is YES then this what needs to be done.
Step #1: A major poll or survey. We must develop a website that allows people to voice their opinion on what they want their desktop environment to do for them. Linux has become a developer’s playground. Most developers are simply experimenting with different ideas or features that they want. We need the input of both users and developers on what features and applications must exist for them to adopt Linux as their primary desktop operating system. Target other major OS users and get their input, figure out why they are not using Linux. Adapt a model of direct democracy with people voting for the things that they want created or fixed in Linux.
Step #2: A source of funding. We need to figure out a way to provide incentives for developers to work on user requests. A service similar to Kickstart but exclusively focused on developing for Linux needs to be established, this is the only way to force developers to stop experimenting and start making a Linux desktop for the users. Generate millions of dollars and focus all the money on the primary issues that must be resolved. Developers of niche or obscure projects will flock. Provide monetary incentives and recognition to developers who solve specific problems or create wanted applications. A separate fund can be set aside to provide monetary incentives for computer companies to sell Linux pre-installed systems for the first x amount of systems. Many users and organizations will be interested, and with this many people we might be able to generate enough revenue to jumpstart a new revolution in Linux development.
Step #3: Standardization. We need to focus on creating a standard model for the Linux desktop. By providing funding to developers, many will pause creating obscure software and help in this process. Furthermore a general plea to distributions and developers to help in the creation of a major set of standard applications should be requested by the community. Take popular projects and advance them to be standardized, fork if necessary. Create a desktop environment that is not an experiment, but exactly what most average users want. Create applications that are polished and provide identical or superior features and usability to their competing counterparts. Provide support for longer periods and interfaces that do not change every few months.
Step #4: The Killer Application. We need Linux exclusive software that is not available anywhere else. 1 or 2 projects that can outperform, provide functionality or experience that cannot be found on any other major desktop environment. Maybe it’s a game, maybe it’s some type of an image or 3d software or a business application. Whatever it might be we need to figure out how to secure it for Linux. This may be very difficult, but it will get a ton of users for Linux. The server side of Linux is already on top of this, we need to do it for the desktop.
Step #5: Media attention. Use generated funding to launch a major media campaign, create a huge buzz. Commercials, billboards, events, etc. Tell users why they want Linux and not something else, explain why Linux is better. When people walk into a Best Buy or Walmart, they should be asking for Linux systems. Major retailers and hardware vendors will follow.
I believe if these steps are followed, Linux may have a chance to become a significant if not the prime force on the desktop. Of course the path ahead is uphill, but Linux has many advantages. If the cause it worthy, we need to band together and achieve it.
If the answer is no to the original question, well then there is no point to this discussion.
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The major question we need to answer: Should Linux focus on wide-spread adaption? If the answer is YES then this what needs to be done.
Step #1: A major poll or survey. We must develop a website that allows people to voice their opinion on what they want their desktop environment to do for them. Linux has become a developer’s playground. Most developers are simply experimenting with different ideas or features that they want. We need the input of both users and developers on what features and applications must exist for them to adopt Linux as their primary desktop operating system. Target other major OS users and get their input, figure out why they are not using Linux. Adapt a model of direct democracy with people voting for the things that they want created or fixed in Linux.
Step #2: A source of funding. We need to figure out a way to provide incentives for developers to work on user requests. A service similar to Kickstart but exclusively focused on developing for Linux needs to be established, this is the only way to force developers to stop experimenting and start making a Linux desktop for the users. Generate millions of dollars and focus all the money on the primary issues that must be resolved. Developers of niche or obscure projects will flock. Provide monetary incentives and recognition to developers who solve specific problems or create wanted applications. A separate fund can be set aside to provide monetary incentives for computer companies to sell Linux pre-installed systems for the first x amount of systems. Many users and organizations will be interested, and with this many people we might be able to generate enough revenue to jumpstart a new revolution in Linux development.
Step #3: Standardization. We need to focus on creating a standard model for the Linux desktop. By providing funding to developers, many will pause creating obscure software and help in this process. Furthermore a general plea to distributions and developers to help in the creation of a major set of standard applications should be requested by the community. Take popular projects and advance them to be standardized, fork if necessary. Create a desktop environment that is not an experiment, but exactly what most average users want. Create applications that are polished and provide identical or superior features and usability to their competing counterparts. Provide support for longer periods and interfaces that do not change every few months.
Step #4: The Killer Application. We need Linux exclusive software that is not available anywhere else. 1 or 2 projects that can outperform, provide functionality or experience that cannot be found on any other major desktop environment. Maybe it’s a game, maybe it’s some type of an image or 3d software or a business application. Whatever it might be we need to figure out how to secure it for Linux. This may be very difficult, but it will get a ton of users for Linux. The server side of Linux is already on top of this, we need to do it for the desktop.
Step #5: Media attention. Use generated funding to launch a major media campaign, create a huge buzz. Commercials, billboards, events, etc. Tell users why they want Linux and not something else, explain why Linux is better. When people walk into a Best Buy or Walmart, they should be asking for Linux systems. Major retailers and hardware vendors will follow.
I believe if these steps are followed, Linux may have a chance to become a significant if not the prime force on the desktop. Of course the path ahead is uphill, but Linux has many advantages. If the cause it worthy, we need to band together and achieve it.
If the answer is no to the original question, well then there is no point to this discussion.