Re: When Will GNU/Linux Be Ready for Joe User?

[Ed LaBonte]

On Tue, 18 May 2004 18:43:49 -0700, Simon wrote:

> I'm doing a survey.
> 
> When do you think GNU/Linux will be ready for the average Joe?  What
> obstacles must it overcome first?

Well, I am Joe user. After about 6 months exposure to Linux I am running
Slackware 9.1 and use it for almost everything. There are distributions
like Mandrake and Fedora Core which practically install themselves. The
biggest obstacle for the new user is installing and upgrading software.
Debian is one of the easiest in this regard (although it is far from being
the easiest to install) so long as the software is packaged in a deb file.
The rpm distributions are also relatively easy, there is a small learning
curve but not great. 

The great thing about almost all the distributions is that they come
packed with bundled software. 

I think it's ready for Joe user right now...