Installation has always been the hardest part of Linux. But if the system is pre-installed and has the right drivers for the hardware already built in, how hard is it to run a web browser? Or a word processor?
The biggest issue would be to have an update tool that works as invisibly as Windows Update, i.e., not necessarily invisible, but mostly automated.
From what you write I’d have to say you haven’t used a recent version of Ubuntu. First, you boot a livecd...and get to play with Ubuntu before deciding to install. To install, click the icon on the desktop.
Installation is a snap...all done graphically, repartitions and preserves the Windows partition, migrates your Windows data.
Reboot and you are up and running. Gutsy Gibbon (latest release of Ubuntu) had my wifi up and running effortlessly, configured my networked printer, saw Samba shares, all with no input.
And Ubuntu’s Update Manager updates the system too.
(Sorry if you were aware of all that).
While I can't speak for Ubuntu; I run SuSE and it has auto-update capabilities if you care to use them. Unlike winders though, it is not required, and it does not phone home and delete stuff w/out your knowledge.
I suspect, given their target market and Wallyworld demographics, that feature is probably turned on.
Actually, Ubuntu has just that. The only key is that when it notifies you, you do need to enter the root password to allow the system to do the update. If explained properly in the documentation (that this is a security FEATURE!!!), it shouldn't be a problem at all.
Mark