Ease of use is the key to the mass market.
Installing software:
Windows: run the installer - ready.
Linux: If I am lucky, I can use the packet manager. Id the desired software is not in te packet manager, I have to first decide which Linux I want the software for. RPM or a DEB package?
The installation will the tyoicall tell me that some library is missing or outdated.
Hardware drivers: Windows drivers come with pretty much any
product. Linux drivers ????
long term OS support: XP has been running for 10 years. Unless I chaned machines, I did SP's and patches but all my softeare stayed installed.
Linux: every 6 months or so I need to re-install. Ubunti LTS veresions give me 2 years - lately even 5. As said - XP had 10.
long term Application support:
Windows: When I changed from XP to 7 2 yrears ago, I could re-install all my trusted applications - no new expsense.
Linux: commercial packages typical wont run any more
So why on earth would I use Linux on my desktop ?
Don' t getme wrong - I like Linux - my server runs Linux and for special projects I use Linux as well - By for everyday work it's windows. I just works and causes me less pain.
Honestly I do not understand all these stories about unstable Windows. I have OS autoupdate and Secunia PSI autoupdate- Never had crashes - - its rock stable work horse