Making up my mind ??

Yes agreed, it's always been of concern to me as well although it hasn't happened with two batches of iMacs at work. I've always gone the pro route - PowerMac 6200, then G3 and currently G5.

golfdiesel, there is always this: http://mac.blogdig.net/archives/articles/February2008/16/Amuso_s_Hacintoshes___M...

Which? You mean there are several?

I mean the process of having to compile many pieces of software, like DCRAW.

G

dcRAW is a special case, George. Added to that is the fact that, unlike Windows, Linux runs on many different processor platforms So, someone can write a nice little application, test it on an x86 machine and release it to the world to compile and run on Motorola, ARM, PowerPC, etc, etc, etc.
It's quite likely they won't have every machine to sit down and build an executable binary for each CPU.

Added to that, there are a few windowing front ends - e.g. Gnome and KDE - which have different programming interfaces. Again, a programmer may create a lovely application that can be built for multiple window interfaces.... and you can see that the number of binaries required goes up!

Often you can scour the 'net and someone has produced a binary for x86, and possibly even an RPM file (a RedHat Linux installation file). That usually eases the pain The larger applications have people contribute builds, or if they're really big, they provide installations for multiple platforms (like OpenOffice). But, for those on quirky platforms there's always the compile-it-yourself approach.

It's the huge flexibility and variety of Linux that makes some installations a little tricky.
Matt

This flexibility may be a benefit to Linux aficionados, but to the new or casual user it is a major stumbling block.

I'm hoping that the massive popularity of the Eee PC will encourage people to produce a few easy-installation versions of popular software.

G

Agree on that George
As I said, once I find an application I like if there isn't a binary for x86 on the website then I Google for one... usually some kind person has a build
Matt

those apps which must be compiled can be a pain it's true, but in general they now come with auto-configure scripts to sort things out for you.

I think what's holding Linux back at the moment is the difficulty inherant in making the average persons life easier without limiting the sheer power and control which is Linux's primary advantage over Windows for those of us willing and able to learn to use it.

I am more than willing, in fact I'm keen, to learn to use Linux, but finding the time is the problem.

G

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/reviews/4258725.html?page=1

I especially like :

I know you are George, hence "willing and able", there's only so many hours in the day!

Might be inflammatory but:

Mac if your in the States.

P.C. for Europe.

I don't feel Mac has pushed (succeeded) far enough here. P.C. every time.

Sorry to those who disagree. No offence intended.

I find this argument facinating, it's a point of view I've never heard before. Would you care to expand on your reasoning? Why does it make a difference where you are? Particularly in these days of broadband and e-commerce, I don't remember the last time I bought a piece of software in a shop so I don't see how it can make a difference.