One criticism of Linux is that ordinary people are, on the whole, too ignorant about technology to use anything except Windows. This is just wrong.

It's wrong because Windows isn't easy to use and it's wrong because there just aren't that many people who can't adapt to a new user interface.

More and more people are using computers during their everyday lives, so the average knowledge of computer users is increasing. This means there are more and more power users.

It also means that more can be asked of computer users and less technology needs to be aimed at the most inexperienced users.

We've come a long way since the first PC first appeared. Then computers were mysterious boxes that only geeks used. Nowadays millions of people use computers every day.

Of these people, there is a vast pool who are moderately sophisticated.

As proof of this, I can point to how difficult many powerful applications, such as Photoshop or Illustrator, are. None the less many non-technical people become experts. However, the real proof of the increasing sophistication of computer users is the number of expert Excel users.

To use a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, to its full capability is difficult, not in the least because it requires knowledge of a scripting language. Yet, millions manage it. It is these users to whom the more sophisticated and subtle aspects of Linux can appeal. It is these people, who can really appreciate higher levels of computing power.

Linux offers these people power on every level. It offers these people true freedom. That's why open source needs to be brought to them.