Why Not Linux?

I've been meaning to install Linux on my computer. Why haven't I? The usual lame excuses:
My desk is too small to fit another monitor, keyboard, and papers. A KVM switch and a wireless network adapter cost money. I might have to recompile the kernel and download 80 drivers written by some dude in Iceland. But that still won't let me play Quake3 online because I'll need to setup the network connection. That'll probably require having to subscribe to some email list in which my question will be answered in two months after I ask it. That's usually the case with any third party software that should be built into the OS but isn't.

Why don't more people run Linux?
I think people are simply used to whatever OS they started with. So unless you're a computer nerd, your first is your favorite. Linux also needs work in usability. As far as I'm concerned, to install a program, I shouldn't even have to type make. I should be able to double-click on an icon and click next a few times without any messages about missing gcc or libxxxhahayoudonthaveme. (I did in fact install a distro that did not install gcc by default). The programmers of the applications are still writing for other programmers and not end users. They also can't afford to hire HCI specialists which are badly needed on the Linux platform. Perhaps GUI standards could be setup for Linux.

You just don't have hobby HCI specialists like you have hobby programmers.

GUI is as GUI does
-Tomas

Is open source the Great White Hope of innovation or is it just a bunch of hippies Cartman should kill?

Does anyone know any computer newbies using Linux? What problems did they have?