Interesting thread.
Good to know, that there are companies in Lebanon that utilize Linux.
In fact, not too long ago before our last project started (.net) , I had all the developers use Linux as their base operating systems, which is also something other offshore companies are doing.
This is a positive surprise!
I assumed Linux is used as servers, but never as desktop.
But, regarding home usage, is there actually a tangible user base? I mean, are there people who use the os full-time for regular tasks?
To take it further, do they "play" with scripts, edit config files, customize their workspaces, etc?
Before discovering this forum, I had never seen one.
And I agree with what's been said about universities as a starting point. Just a simple introduction is enough. The students will do the rest by themeselves.
But, the problem is that a lot of students think commercially. They think "if I learn Linux will I find a job?" or "I need to get some Microsoft Certificate diploma thing". For them .NET is the only choice.
That's the biggest hurdle...
... Only then will we resolve Linux's main drawbacks in home use: poor hardware support and lack of choice in applications.
To be accurate, it's not Linux that has poor hardware support, but it's the manufacturers that neglect it, most famously ATI and Nvidea. That said, the open source ATI drivers are working great for me.
As for applications, I don't think there's a lack of choice. I have always found what I've wanted.
But, I'm not into photo/video editing, so maybe I haven't looked for everything.
Actually, the only program I like to see is an Excel alternative. OO.o Calc or Gnumeric still have a way to go.
BTW, Regarding cross-platform development, there's also QT from Nokia. That should get a mention as well.
I've also tried Python and wxPython, but deploying it for Windows machines that do not have the Python interpreter was a bit messy...