The learning curve for a user that hasn't used either system would be equal
I wouldn't have thought that because:
Windows is
very n00b-friendly. And it's good at being n00b-friendly of all things.
It's much more n00b-friendly than almost all GNU/Linux distros, except the ones targeted at n00bs themselves (and I'd say it'd still be a tough one).
Kudos to MS. For their software is friendly to (the millions of) n00bs.
If the first computer I got had Slackware on it rather than Windows 95, I probably wouldn't have ever bothered with the computer at all. Although if it was Ubuntu (which didn't exist at the time but what the hell), I probably would've used it. And as soon as I knew how to use it, I probably would have learned all about the command-line and then more advanced stuff. And I probably would be on Slackware in no-time.
The leaning-curves are beautiful on GNU/Linux, especially for the curious ones, and also for the not-so-curious ones.
For a windows user going to Linux, its more difficult.
Definetly!
I'd say it wouldn't be too hard for a Slackware user (who has never used Windows before) to migrate to Windows.
Even though they're used to doing things "the hard way", they'd figure the easy way out just as easy as the n00bs would.
Obviously they wouldn't feel at home. For Windows was not developed with them-kinda-people inmind (and yes, I mean it).
I am very much anti-windows, and I have my reasons. I just don't see anyone giving a good excuse for such hatred of a company.
My personal experience with Windows was not pretty.
I do not like MS's software. I do not like MS's
evil business practices. I do not like MS's incredible control. I do not like the fucking insane amount of support MS gets (from OEMs, manufacturers, etc.) when there are much better alternatives out there. And I definetly do not like MS's FUD (especially when people buy it).
They are evil bastards who do NOT deserve my support.
And buying their products IS supporting them, just like using their products is.
On the other hand, I fucking love the GNU philosophy.
It is
right. It is
good. It is
honourable. It makes sense.
It is a step forward for mankind.
IT deserves my support, and it deserves more support than the world could possibly supply (and it isn't supplyin', BTW).
I am "free" to install what software is available on any system I use. I am "free" to run any os i deem necessary to accomplish whatever task is at hand. I am not bound to only use Windows because Mr. Gates tells me to. Now, I am not free to modify or see the source of MS software. But that doesn't concern me. I am not a developer, I dont snoop through code, or wish to make those kinds of changes. If the software doesnt work the way I want, I find something else. Most of the time, MS software fails me. Windows failed me. So I don't use it. I have it at work, because I don't care enough to migrate my mail, my settings, my work environment to another system. I am leaving this place in one week anyways.
If that's what you call freedom, seems a little shallow to me. You are damn right to but "free" in quotation marks though.
As for giving employees linux. I am not having them create print and web materials with GIMP. It has never been up to the task.
That's interesting - explain please.
Not that I actually prefer them to use Windows, but it is the best tool at my disposal currently. We are not a mac shop. I will never convince management to invest in Apple machines. Linux will not cut it. Maybe for the techs, and maybe for sales and billing, but not my department. In that sense, we are not "free". We are tied to windows. I just don't see it as being that big of a deal. Not anymore.
How in the hell isn't it a big deal?
Do you have computers on-show kinda thing? Because if you do, you could put Ubuntu or something decent on it, and tell the customers a little about GNU/Linux. Then give them the CHOICE between Windows and Ubuntu. The choice that so many of them never got...