For the purposes of this presentation, I would say that a desktop is a suite of applications that allow for integration between each other. Desktops are usually further refined to provide the concept of 'objects', as files or directories which can be moved with ease.

I think that Linux exceeds the quality of just about any other operating system when comparing speed, stability, reliability, and similar factors.

But it also has a perception, along with other Unices, of being difficult to use. In fact, I would imagine that a large portion of the estimated five to seven million Linux users worldwide have technical backgrounds or are familiar with other Unices.

To bring Linux into more widespread use, desktop environments are key to providing the user interface with with the Mac/Windows crowd are familiar.

One of the benefits of Linux is that it has often chartered new waters in relation to commercial Unices -- and if you've ever used a vendor-supplied version of UNIX, you'll know what I mean. In continuing that trend, Linux represents a very large developer base for the GNOME, KDE and similar projects. Although these projects work on many other Unices, much of the work is done natively in Linux.

I realize that some veteran command-line junkies might prefer the speed of typing in commands, but I also think that they might also like to accomplish certain tasks in a desktop environment. Besides, the Xterm will probably still be your favorite application!