The author calls them “myths” and then proceeds to state that most of them are true to some extent.
Unzipping and compiling software IS beyond the abilities of most people.
Using the exact same software as family members and friends who can help IS of critical importance to most users.
Since hard sectored floppy disks, Dell Rainbows, Zenith Z100’s and CP/M, the most important thing in desktop computing has been standardization. Microsoft and IBM figured that out with the first IBM-PC and Bill Gates rode that horse to incredible success. Users do not want to learn new operating systems or software. They will do it slowly, over time, but they won’t tolerate having to relearn everything at once.
People resist change. They like what they know. Windows is what they know. It’s standard. So is its software.
“Unzipping and compiling software IS beyond the abilities of most people.”
Its also not needed on modern desktops which use either RPM or APT.. In Fedora for example if you download an RPM a box pops up that says ‘would you like to install’ you click yes, it ask for the admin password, and the installs..