"I have always been of the opinion that installing,
configuring and using Linux is not hard these days. Certainly the
advent of distributions has simplified the process immensely.
Perhaps the only reason I hold this opinion is that I have learned
the system from the ground up.
I have the patience to sit down and read the documentation, or
search for alternative sources of information on the Net. So, when
I was asked to help two sets of newbies install and use Linux
systems in one week, I took the opportunity to do a case study and
discover just how hard Linux was to the absolute novice.
The case study consists of my own family, who wanted wireless
networking and Internet connection sharing, as well as a friend --
who shall remain nameless, lest he die of embarrassment -- who
wanted a general-purpose Linux system."