I doubt anything based on Linux will ever work for your typical home user. It is just too complicated - can we expect them to hand edit configuration files and compile programs from source?
There are distros of Linux that are already easier to use than Windows. Besides, you’d be very surprised how many things you probably deal with on a regular basis that are based on Linux. Tivo and many wireless routers, for instance.
When I get a new printer, to use it in Windows, I have to install a bunch of bloatware crap that slows down the system, or I can’t use half the features. With Linux, I just have to plug it in and it works. Same with digital cameras and scanners.
For a user like me, I have to edit configuration files, because I have things like multiple monitors, but for the average user, just install Linux Mint and it’ll work out of the box. Everything installed for you. Flash, Realplayer, Office, etc. Want something that isn’t installed? New programs are available at the touch of a button (an app store if you will) and it’s all free. Want to run Windows programs? You can use Crossover Office to run them natively with a pretty interface and no config files to edit. That costs money and doesn’t work for everything. Or you can install your copy of Windows XP inside Linux for nothing. There’s even a ‘seamless mode’ that makes Windows behave as if the applications you are running are native to Linux.
Now, me personally, I like the command line and I wish everything was as easy as manually editing a configuration file all the time. Frankly, I’m constantly griping about how annoying it is to have to do things on the various Windows machines throughout the house.
When was the last time you used Linux? Ten years ago I was compiling programs from source, and I do sometimes edit config files because I set up my own servers, but the average user can just use GUI config panels. My wife (very non-tech) uses Linux and rarely Windows.
I'm not saying there aren't problems. Apple took BSD (very close to Linux) and put a friendly front end on it. Even Ubuntu doesn't match Apple's or Microsoft's ease of use. Maybe Google will help out here.
C'mon. There's Linux distributions that are Windows user friendly. I.E, GUI. I.E. No CLI necessary. I.E. easy to use. I've not EVER opened a terminal for anything other than casual curiosity. There's too many distributions that put the lie to what you say. It was true in the past, but not necessarily true today.
What's the weather like back there in 2001? Sounds like cloudy with a good chance of FUD.
He set up users, and was up and running in an hour.
It's not as difficult as you think.
I got my Dad a Dell Inspiron running Ubuntu for $350. It’s great.