[TomGuy]

If I want to operate in Fluxbox environment I can.. If I want to operate in GNOME desktop environment.. I can. Same goes as KDE... or Enlightenment.. or XFRE...

That is because you know Linux. You probably have spend years learning it.

I 'grew up' on DOS and was forced in to Windows in the 80s. I had to learn it and apply it to various jobs.

I just don't want to spend years learning Linux. Its an 'age' thing. -- MY AGE. I am comfortable with XP. Linux is cute, and has potential, but...

The quoted paragraph demonstrates what I see as the problem for the 'general user' -- which is what? What is the difference between GNOME and KDE and yada yada yada. I have become the 'general user'. I want go do some wordprocessing, some graphics, some spreadsheets, some Internet. I don't want to have to learn how to build a car just to be able to drive it.

[goldstategop]

You don't have to! KDE has a Windows look and feel and there's a large variety of software available for installation. In PCLOS, the most popular distro these days, all the aoplications you need come out of the box. And more can be installed through Synaptic. It takes less than 15 minutes to install it from a CD and it detects all your hardware out of the box and you can be on the Internet within minutes. Best of all, there's no need to install any anti-virus or security software. Linux is stable and immune from the BSOD and other glitches that plague Windows. The Linux Desktop has come of age.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Kitanis]

I have not spent years.. but a little time.

I too learned in the dos days.. Heck.. I started off using Apple II+ and e’s in my school days.. spent hours on Commodore 64 and 128. Bought my first 486 in early 1993 etc etc...

I still enjoy learning how things work.. its not for everyone so I can understand your statement.