[ducttape45]

In answer to your question, I would say that as it sits now, "no," Linux cannot give the average consumer what they want. Let's face it, we want something that works as similar to Windows products as possible.

Most folks know nothing of "compiling kernels" and would miss the ability to double-click on "setup.exe" in order to install a program.

That being said, Linux is more stable than many Windows products. Many of us IT folks know that. But there aren't enough comparable software programs to take the place of programs we use on an everyday basis.

I ordered a hard drive tray for my computer and I'm going to experiment with Linux when I get it. I have an extra hard drive and I want to fiddle around with it and see how well it works for me. Who knows, it is conceivable that I could use Linux more than Microsoft in the end. We'll see.

[ShadowAce]

Most folks know nothing of "compiling kernels" and would miss the ability to double-click on "setup.exe" in order to install a program.

Most Linux folks have not had to compile a kernel in years.

And there is a GUI for listing/installing software.

Since you say you are planning on fiddling with Linux in the near future, I'll just let you discover for yourself how easy it can be. It's not the nightmare you are making it out to be here.

[GeronL]

I don’t even know what “compiling a kernal” is and I have been using Ubuntu for more than a year.