as far as the general public is concerned (whether they have heard of linux or not - which most haven't) - GNU/Linux is not an obvious answer, or even a possibility.
I work in PC retail/repair (with windows machines obviously) - I personally am trying to learn linux, and admit i find it difficult, but i am willing to go through the blood, sweat and tears to figure it out.
The mass of people that bring me their windows boxes for repair, can't handle small operations like changing the desktop wallpaper. the question "have you backed up your data" sends them into a tailspin because they have no idea it could be lost, and have no idea how to "back it up". They pay me $30 to put a Dora the Explorer CD into the tray and click install and give the computer back to them 4.3 minutes later all done, so their 3-year old can use it.
These people are NOT ready for linux. (heck... with all the fighting i do to get what i want out of linux, i'm not sure i am either)
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as far as the general public is concerned (whether they have heard of linux or not - which most haven't) - GNU/Linux is not an obvious answer, or even a possibility. I work in PC retail/repair (with windows machines obviously) - I personally am trying to learn linux, and admit i find it difficult, but i am willing to go through the blood, sweat and tears to figure it out. The mass of people that bring me their windows boxes for repair, can't handle small operations like changing the desktop wallpaper. the question "have you backed up your data" sends them into a tailspin because they have no idea it could be lost, and have no idea how to "back it up". They pay me $30 to put a Dora the Explorer CD into the tray and click install and give the computer back to them 4.3 minutes later all done, so their 3-year old can use it. These people are NOT ready for linux. (heck... with all the fighting i do to get what i want out of linux, i'm not sure i am either)