how can people use linux when ....

there is a compatibility issue??

Are they not gamers?
They don't use general programs??
or are softwares actually compatible on linux??

I don't know if this is a troll or not, but it's certainly a good question, one which many a Unix fans don't like to answer very often. It's a painful confession, and it's annoying.

If you see Unix as being inconvenient, then you know what: YOU ARE RIGHT LOL!

Unix has a target audience, and if you don't code, run a server, or develop anything then Unix is hardly your answer unless you're talking about using one of those distros like Lindows or Mandrake or whatever- but you'll still be dealing with rough edges which is the compromise in using Unix. There is not a perfect "Windows-user's Unix" just yet, but there's progress and you might just see what you want for your Mom to email and buy couches with by 2007.