Just to start some flames... Linux would have gone NO WHERE, if it weren’t for a bunch of extreme Geeks willing to spend their time in the command line(i.e pre 1960s technology). Fortunately for the world Linux flavors have slowly been awakening to the fact that we have had video for 50 years now, and they are beginning to implement more things graphically, but overall they still have a long way to go.
I don't know about flames, but I never quite understand why there seems to be such a consensus that the GUI is superior to the command line, or that an OS is bad because it is geeky. According to that logic Ferraris are not as good as Nissans because they are harder to drive and less user friendly. Standard transmissions are also bad and all cars should have automatic transmissions. But, why? Why shouldn't there be cars out there for people who really love driving, even if they represent a tiny part of the market? And yet that is what I read on these threads about Linux. People insist that since it is "geeky" and only has a tiny share of the market it is somehow a failure. I just don't see that.
I don’t think nor did I imply at all that Linux flavors are a failure. I only say that if it were not for that “tiny part of the market” as you put it, it would have been a failure. Linux is good in many ways, and getting better all the time. I am glad the option is there. I don’t however agree with Linux is far superior to windows attitude.
I do think that GUI has the POTENTIAL to be far superior to command line. There is nothing intuitive to humans about a command line interface, and having to learn “/x” options. Superior UI allows users to accomplish more, intuitively, while needing to know less.
As far as cars, automatic transmissions are safer when all other factors are the same. :-) You should always have both hands available for steering, and less things to think about in crisis moments, and zero delay time to get in gear. Also studies have show significantly higher stress in manual transmission drivers than automatic ones. But if you think its fun needlessly flipping your feet and hands about, go for it. :-)