I was thinking a bit about this too. Here's what I think it comes down to: that software is meant to serve its users. No software can give you everything, so instead you simply choose what serves you most conveniently. A learning curve is only problematic if it outweighs the benefits of the new software.

Windows will continue to offer most users what they want, no matter how screwy the UI gets. However, there will be some people for which the UI is much more important, and Win8 will in fact drive them to seek the customizability that Linux offers.

Now, here's my prediction:
Microsoft realizes the importance of continuity between the mobile and desktop space, as does Apple. If executed properly, their software will come to serve the user in a nearly device-independent manner. Now what about Google? I predict they will develop a desktop OS that offers the typical benefits associated with Linux with a separate sandboxed runtime for Android apps. IMO, if Google wants Android to survive, they have no choice but to span it across devices. But, without the huge library of legacy apps available on competing desktop platforms, they will have to align with the Linux community.

I'll make the final change over to Linux when Windows no longer supports XP. I'm already using Mint and Ubuntu somewhat, so the change will not be that drastic. Beyond XP, the versions of Linux I've chosen is easier to use than the "newer" versions of Windows IMHO.

AKladis, on 15 March 2012 - 18:28, said:

Windows 7 IS the new Windows XP. Name one thing Windows XP can do that 7 can't. 7 is more stable, powerful, faster, and easier to use then XP also. There is no need to keep a 12 year old OS around. Get Windows 7 and run xp in VMware.

butilikethecookie, on 19 March 2012 - 17:22, said:

It can't add comments to TIFF files!!!1!11!!1
/s

butilikethecookie, on 19 March 2012 - 17:22, said:

Run Castle of the Winds and a lot of old favorites.

No one will even consider Linux until everything can be done from the UI. Command line isn't acceptable, adn don't start bitching about how I've never used it, I use Ubuntu 11.10 on occasion, and have the **** I want to do needs to be done from the command line, or is incredibly easier from the command line (which is practically impossible, so look into that Linux geeks.)

At present, Windows 7 will be my last Windoz as Win 8 looks terrible. Granted that it isin't even finished yet.

butilikethecookie, on 19 March 2012 - 17:22, said:

It has been said time and time again that Windows 7 IS NOT the new Windows XP. I bet your gonna say the same thing about 7 when it can't do something that a newer OS can. XP may be 11 years old but it still works(at least for now) but as with anything. There comes a time when something will eventually reach the end of the road, then you must decide to either: keep using it or replace it. as long as it does what i need i'd keep using it unless there was a valid reason for replacing it.

i wish some other oses grew in popularity, but they won't until they are preinstalled on large quantities of hardware (such as android or ios on phones). According to what I've read, Beos came closest to that on PCs but was beat down by dirty moves.

BumbleBritches57, on 23 March 2012 - 14:09, said:

Almost no dist. (like Ubuntu 12.10) now request utterly exclusively using the command prompt/shell/terminal.
You have the software center, the deb. package doesn't even request pressing next,next,...finish
Use the latest version and Do somr research plz.
Things change