Will Linux become a serious competitor to windows?

Answer 1

Linux already is a serious competitor to Windows, especially in markets outside of the desktop.

Linux fully dominates over Windows on servers, mobile, routers, embedded, and supercomputing markets. Some are even believing Linux is fast becoming the industry standard operating system in these markets because of how readily it can be made to work.

On the desktop, Linux is alsoa threat to Windows market share, by Microsoft's own admission. Look up the Halloween Documents, which are a series of leaked memos by someone high up in Microsoft addressing Linux as Microsoft's largest credible threat.