Main social problem, IMHO, that there WAS NOT (I forgot Linux history and don't rememberfirst uf-distributive) and, later, Ubuntu-like versions of FeeBSD. Even if these doen;t replace Windows on many desktops (1% now?), they prepare Linux-aware users, and some of these users becomes admins or people, who decide which OS should be used in their business.

And, I think, it is too late. Why somebody should now choose FreeBSD when here is fancy Linux with bells and whistles? :( Yes, I'm pessimistic :( [...] better that Linux for many server tasks. Now Solaris future is unclear, but before Sun/Oracle acquisition it looks TECHNICALLY very

everything is ``suitable'' for common tasks. And it is NOT ENOUGH to be technically better. System should be far more superior to be chosen, if it is not fancy/trendy. Yes, I belive, that FreeBSD is better than Linux (at least on supported hardware) in server tasks, more clear, more solid, etc. But it is ``only'' better, and is not enough.

Other factors are hardware certification and hosting providers. And, yes, commercial software. I mean Oracle and (not-so-commercial but very important) Java :)

And even best-in-class or best-in-world package management system and streamlined base system DON'T SOLVE non-technical problems. They could help don't lose current users, but they can not help find new ones!