NOTE: This is NOT a Windows-vs-linux smart-ass posting, but a serious comment!
The problem with Linux, as I see it, is the learning curve. Things like this can take hours to sort out, whereas on Windows, if you install a simple program, it generally will work first time, or if it doesn't it's to do with the programs config. Very rarely do you install a program and it complains about a missing DLL (the Windows equivalent to Linux 'dependencies')
I suspect it's partly due to the proliferation of Windows PCs in the world, and as such there is a much larger userbase from which to draw knowledge - because the actual solutions to problems aren't really that dissimilar in terms of the amount of technical ability required.
However, what does make things difficult is the number of different Linux distributions, where binary files from one distribution aren't necessary compatible with another distribution, even though they're both "Linux", so you may hunt for a solution to a problem, think you've found it, and then realise it's for the wrong flavour of your OS, and have to start again. Very frustrating.
Nowadays, as a Linux n00b, where on earth do you start when trying to even decide which distro to install?! I know there's suggestions, and I'm not discounting them, I'm talking about folks who aren't lucky enough to read this forum
Corect me if I'm wrong, but on Linux I don't think there is common install manager like Windows Installer (which is great, but was invented about 5 years too late!). I know about RPMs, and they've been around donkeys years, but they don't necessarily always take care of dependencies do they?
The point I'm trying to get across, or the question I'm asking... is how will Linux ever make that transition to being a usable desktop OS, that's as easy for people to get to grips with and sort problems out as Windows? I'm not blind, I see things have come on leaps and bounds, and almost everything is probably technically superior to Windows, but it still remains in the domain of the world's computer enthusiasts (or their long-suffering partners, as in the case of one of my work colleagues - her husband has Linux on the computer at home - good lad!)
I'm sure the day will come when Linux is robust enough (by which I mean problems like tickmike had will be virtually eliminated) to be used by the general public. I do think the number of different distributions around is hurting, rather than helping, that ideal though.
Does any of that make any sense, or is it just total nonsense and I obviously don't have a clue?!? Answers on a postcard...
Anyway, enough rambling, I need to go out!