[webmaven]

Because then the unsophisticated user will constantly ask to have $RANDOM_SOFTWARE installed. Admittedly, having to say "no" to those requests up front is preferable to having to remove malware infestations later, but it is still annoying and can cause unnecessary friction in personal relationships.

There are several ways switching an unsophisticated user reduces this problem:

- Ads for malware-laden $RANDOM_SOFTWARE downloads aren't targeted at Linux desktops in the first place.

- The ads that mimic UI widgets don't match anything in the desktop UI, making them much easier for unsophisticated users to identify as suspect.

- Saying that $RANDOM_SOFTWARE they want to install isn't Linux-compatible (which admittedly does generate moderate pressure to switch back) is usually a more acceptable answer than "No, I won't install that malware-riddled piece of crap for you", however gently worded.

[headmelted]

These issues confirmed by personal experience.

I switched over my father-in-law's laptop to Chromium OS for this exact reason.

(mostly) automatic updates.

no malware.

zero configuration to allow for breaking anything.

no "can I install XX?" questions. The answer is always "if it's in the chrome store".

A good browser does everything he needs.