How can Linux be improved for newbie support?

[techieMoe]

Let's trace the back to the roots of Windows and GNU/Linux:
GNU/Linux>GNU>UNIX was invented in 1969
Windows>MSDOS>QDOS>CP/M was invented in 1974

GNU/Linux actually had a five year head start.

No. GNU/Linux (which is not Unix, as the GNU name implies) actually was only written circa 1992. Your argument is a red herring.

http://www.li.org/linuxhistory.php

[ExpertBeginner]

FROM THE ORIGINAL POSTER

Wow, this thread certainly took off!

I’ve not had chance to read the discussions continuing from pages 5 onwards but certainly will do in the next few hours, however I wanted to comment on a link left by celticgeek

Quote from techieMoe:

My personal opinion is that a lot of the "newbie improvements" put forth when this question is asked tend to revolve around the contraversial idea that Linux should somehow emulate the way MS Windows does things, since that's what the "newbies" are familiar with. I do not agree with this.

The following site goes through this in some detail:

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

Firstly I recommend the link is placed as a sticky in the Newbie section for everyone to read, before they start topics like the one I’ve started here, which according to the article, is a pretty ‘irrelevant’ question to ask.

I am indeed the very newbie as portrayed in the article, so yes I am looking for a Windows replacement, rather than an alternative, and Linux is the most well known, without changing platforms (i.e Apple Mac).

And having read through that very interesting and informative article, I do feel a bit stupid asking my original question, even though it got some complimentary responses, it’s quite true, its not Linux that needs to change, it’s the user, and his/her way of thinking.

Yes I am a Windows user and probably too advanced to easily forget the way I have been used to doing things for so long, which is why I am finding Linux difficult to learn.

If I had the time, I would love to learn Linux, so I can have an ‘OS that puts all the power in the hands of the user’, but for now, I need an OS that I can become quickly productive within, without having to change my way of working too much. I will therefore be going with Xandros for the time being, and consider the possibility of going Apple Mac.

I suppose now, the question I should have asked is:

‘How can established Windows users who want to move away from Windows, be taught to adapt to Linux as quickly and effectively as possible?’

The Answer could be something like

‘Decide what you want to do with your computer, and if you are willing to spend time learning a new way of working, that can result in you having total control over your operating system, then choose Linux.

If you want to carry on working in a similar fashion to Windows, but without the bugs, choose Apple Mac.’

[techieMoe]

I believe the original poster's return to this thread is a good point on which to end it. Many good things were said and I agree that the "Linux != Windows" article is sticky-worthy. I'll have to confer with the other mods as to where might be the best place to stick it.

Also, thanks to all who responded to this in a respectful and not flaming fashion.