-- Is 64bit Linux/Ubuntu a worthwhile alternative to use as a general use OS?
Have run 64-bit Linux for years, first on the Alpha, now on the SPARC and Athlon. As it has been 64-bit for years, a lot more 64-bit support than I found under Windows.
-- Does Linux make a good secondary OS? (any dual-boot issues, for instance?)
No. It makes a great OS, weither primary secondary or on a whim.
-- What is the future of Microsoft's Windows operating system?
They have to abandon legacy support within 3-5 years as it is now an anchor around it's neck. The kernel is nice, but the user-land has so much legacy that you would never know.
- Will Vista be dominant, or crash and burn against competitors Linux/Mac?
Mac's sales are soaring against Windows sales. Linux is also blossoming as well. While Vista will not crash and burn, it will seriously hurt Microsoft in the long term. I call it the {bleep} child of ME and Bob for a reason.
- Will Windows XP do for another 5 years?
Yes, but do not go past SP2. SP3 is adding in Vista-like features.... read "hit the brakes".
- Is Leopard gonna kick their buts out the desktop market?
Leopard is showing itself to be the superior OS in both the desktop and server markets. Apple has a winner on its hands.
- How big is the desktop Linux userbase anyway? What gaps in the market has Linux filled?
Estimates vary from tens to hundreds of millions. Millions upon millions of people run it without knowing it within embedded devices such as the TiVO every day infact.
- How commercial is Linux?
Quite.
-- Is Amiga coming back to take them all out? Lol
It could if someone were to drag out all of the Amiga corporate guys (all corps involved in the lawsuits, and the Merlancia guys for good measure) and kick the to the curb.
