Hi!
Here is a wish-list of the features I would like to have in Linux so as it to be usable/popular among the masses
1. Better hardware support:
Let the multimedia k/b, the jazzy 5 button mouse, the fundoo steering wheel work under Linux.
2. Less dependence on root:
2.1
Lets say me and my brother use different ISPs and we would not like to share passwords. How to do that ? I believe there is no viable solution
2.2
My family members would like to install the apps they downloaded from the net (rpm files). How to ensure that they can install the stuff? (sudo ? but they can accidently uninstall some progs that I installed How to prevent that?)
2.3
My system is badly shut and for fsck the shell script asks for the root password. But I'm (the root)not available. The system wont proceed without fsck. What to do now? Note: even with ext3, if the fs is in real bad shape RHL *asks* for root password.
3. Leaner Desktop Environments
Personal experience: GNOME/KDE, supposedly default desktop environs are slow (thats an understatement) on Pentium 166/32MB RAM. IMHO Windows GUI is leaner and more intuitive than KDE,GNOME (Caveat: I do not use Windows)
I use Fluxbox. It is *only* for experienced users. (OK I'm not claiming to be one ;)
4. Better Software support
Unless and until there is support for : Educational CDs (GRE,TOEFEL,GMAT...) Encyclopedia CDs ISP CDs (VSNL dialer CD e.g.) etc.
we can be *very sure* that Linux wont be as useful as Windows for students and home users
5. More Games please
Frankly majority of teenagers are gaming enthusiasts and understandibly so. Linux does not stand in the competition AFA games are concerned. OK there may be QUAKES and DOOMS but the numbers are nowhere near as those offered by Windows.
6. Better/Easier Development environment
OK C may be good for experienced programmers. But I've seen many novice people write good sofware with VB. It is easy (period)
7. The (regulary) irregular crashes
Please.. make some feature so that Linux crashes sometimes. It kinda gives you that deja-vu feeling. ah... those were the days :)