<< they are just taking a good OS and putting a windows GUI on it....i mean, this doesnt promote linux, it promotes windows. any copies of windows software will probably be inferior hackjobs, and running real windows apps under wine or something similar will result in them being just as crash-prone.
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I am under the impression that it is a Wine-like implementation. There is no way they will be able to write programs to "emulate" MS software like that, legally. Nor, could they modify windows apps to run under linux, and sell the package.  I am thinking its just a layer between existing MS apps, and Linux
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things like lindows HURT linux, then dont help it, IMO at least.
get over windows, just because its popular doesnt mean its something to emulate.  >>
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It could go either way, IMO. It could be a good transition OS to get people hooked on Linux, and then later, they go to a "real" linux distro. or, it could do as you say, and screw em over. Who knows. 
I, personally, am more for Open-source apps developing and replacing Windows apps altogether, I think thats a better idea. Its just the transition thats difficult for some.
Edit: Kenair, your post popped in "behind" mine, so I didnt see it. I agree, we need Directx in Linux. That will "seal the deal" for a lot of people to start using it. You get all the popular games going in Linux, you've got a huge chunk of the market.