I think the real reason is that most people are too lazy to do things a bit differently on their desktop. I've used Linux for only 3 years or so, but I find it easier to work with that XP and far friendlier that Vista. Why? I took the time to choose a good distro for my needs (originally Ubuntu, but I now use that as a base to adapt to my needs and likes) and took the time to explore it and work on it. I started out with a dual boot system, but soon deleted Windows as I didn't use it anymore. By the time I got my current laptop, I never actually ran the windows installed on it, I just installed Linux and ran that. In short, if people choose the right distro, read some reviews and guides and take some time exploring their Linux system, most problems are solved. Oh, I've found the support for Ubuntu (community and bug fixing) by far superior to anything I ever found in the Windows community.

My laptop's broadcom wireless worked out of the box with Ubuntu. So did all my other hardware, including the Radeon card. Don't get stuck in a whiney time warp - check out what Linux is doing today.

But more and more vendors seem to be releasing their code for Linux developers. Along with the Free Drivers initiative, support is good http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/11/04/236238. Face it. It is getting better. Both the open source drivers and, albeit more slowly, the vendor support. I install Linux on various home pc's and laptops etc. Issues are not all that common. A full Ubuntu setup running, with drivers inc. prop ones if wanted, usually takes around 15-30 mins on a newish PC with an easy as installation. XP on the other hand takes about 10 times more effort and 3-4 times more in time to install to get up and running with drivers etc. Don't even mention Vista... As for buying a Mac, that goes against all the principles stated above in buying hardware. Stop whining.