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Why? Why is there only "Windows", and "Mac", for most people? Is it a lack of advertising? Lack of support? Lack of, simply, knowledge that Linux exists? Linux has so much to offer: added security, more stability, repositories, an eager, helpful community, customization, freedom! Why stay with bloated, proprietary, and costly operating systems when a free, better alternative exists? What do you think? What's the invisible barrier(s) preventing Linux adoption? Should it be sold in stores? Should there be a massive advertising campaign? Share your thoughts and feelings on this. I have tried many times to convert people, and I always meet indifference, or even anger. Any help?

Note: please do not turn this into a debate. This is a real question, and I like, like potentially many people, wish to know the best way to spread the word.

EDIT: I'm asking this here because I believe Ubuntu has the best chance to convince people to switch from other OSes.

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If there was a simple, clear & correct answer to this question, you wouldn't have to ask it... ;-) – JanC Oct 17 '10 at 2:17
Of course, there is not one, easy answer. What I'm looking for is to collect all the answers of everyone for suggestions. – Lyrositor Oct 17 '10 at 2:19
@JanC, does that go for all questions?? ;) Why is this not a good candidate for community wiki instead of closure? – Jeremy Oct 17 '10 at 2:28
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I've converted this to a Community Wiki for now. However this post seems highly subjective – Marco Ceppi♦ Oct 17 '10 at 2:43
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@Marco: I completely agree. Feel free to close if you wish. – George Edison Oct 17 '10 at 6:22
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closed as not constructive by Jorge Castro, Marco Ceppi♦ Oct 17 '10 at 12:45

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If there were an option at computer stores / web sites to purchase a PC for a lower price (less the Windows licence fee), it would provide a huge push factor. If free(gratis and libre) software isn't actually cheaper at the Point-of-Sale, it loses it's only selling point to non-geeks, who don't understand what free(libre) really means.

Unfortunately, most new PCs still come with a mandatory copy of Windows / Mac OS. IIRC this was a major push by those companies years ago to prevent piracy.

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Why would it have to be cheaper than Windows? Companies have to do the same fixed investment to be able to do pre-installed Ubuntu + support, but there are less customers to spread that cost over... – JanC Oct 17 '10 at 2:37
Actually, in most cases the investment is higher for using Ubuntu, especially for small shops. – JanC Oct 17 '10 at 2:40
Erm, how is that? Shops don't provide support for Windows, are they expected to provide support for Linux? Or is the initial install more trouble-prone? With more and more shops just selling system-in-a-box that they get with an OS pre-installed, is this becoming less of an issue? – Jeremy Oct 17 '10 at 2:54
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