In my opinion, Linux is the best available OS for servers, but it's got a long way to go for desktop usage. The configuration tools and user interface standards are a mess. I wish that situation was better, but there is too much chaos in the Linux developer community to deliver a consistent, high-quality desktop OS.
I'm finding out how true your post is. Since I first posted a couple of hours ago, I've started to try to install some basics like AVG anti-virus, and start planning to install on my daughter's wireless desktop pc. Whooo boy... AVG has to use 3 RPM files for install that are not natively supported by Ubuntu. And, the Linux user manual talks about compiling the source code for the specific Linux kernel... So I've got to go find how to do this as I've never been a programmer and had to compile stuff. And, the wireless network card may or may not work without some hassle.
I don't have a lot of time to spend on these things. I'm used to just