[andhof-mt]

One of linux's biggest issues is that linux hasn't been developed with consumers in mind for such a long time.

Thats why I opted to use mint for recording DevCasts: https://www.youtube.com/user/devfactor

other linux distros offer tons of tools for programmers, but are difficult to beginning users or non-programmers to migrate over to.

In order for Linux to really catch on, they need to offer at least a basic level of tools to attract regular (non-coding) consumers.

[oliwarner]

When did you last use Linux? 2003?

Linux [distributions] (because the Linux Kernel is fairly agnostic about use-cases) are constantly being developed and redeveloped. KDE5, Unity8+Mir, GNOME3, Cinnamon, MATE, etc... They're all aiming to be easy to use and powerful. They all have some distance to go but so do Windows and OSX.

Then there's the actual consumer-device market that Linux all but owns. Things like Tizen and Android and the dozens of frontends that the existing infrastructure makes super-simple to create a custom interface.

There is constant churn, making Linux more and more user-friendly.

[whyever]

What kind of consumers are you thinking of? Most 'regular consumers' are probably better off with a tablet than with a desktop PC.

[sp332]

What kind of tools?