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How to make Ubuntu Linux even more Windows-user-friendly

I think Ubuntu Linux is awesome in terms of how for it has come in terms of user-friendliness.

That said, I think there are still a few barriers when it comes to replacing Windows as a general purpose desktop for the average user (like my wife for example, who didn't even notice when we changed from Windows XP to Windows 7!)

After talking with many of my completely non-techie friends and family, here are my top six things Ubuntu Linux could still improve upon (I am focusing solely on Ubuntu, not only because of its relative popularity, but also because it is the easiest distribution of Linux the world has ever seen, imho).

1. Not available pre-installed on enough PCs. I am not saying this one is easy, nor is it even anything Canonical can control, but it begs to be said anyway. But buying a PC without Windows might simply be too daunting for the average user. Why not offer PCs with both? A dual boot menu out of the box? Just a thought, and it may be a good strategy rather than forcing users to quit Windows cold turkey. Of course, convincing OEMs to actually do this would be no small task.
2. Ubuntu is not generally available on store shelves. I would love to walk into Best Buy and see boxed copies of Ubuntu (or Linux Mint!) next to Windows. I bet there are a lot of users who would pay $10 - $20 for a boxed copy of Ubuntu on CD/DVD, especially sitting next to a $200 copy of Windows 7 Pro. Believe it or not, there are people out there who don't know how to download and burn an ISO, don't have CDs/DVDs handy, or are just plain too lazy to learn how (just like I'm too lazy to learn about how to fix my car). The Linux elite might say "We don't want those people anyway," but remember Ubuntu's mantra? "Linux for human beings." The typical human being is not an elite Linux user, and probably never will be.
3. No installation from Windows. The typical user checking out Linux is coming from Windows, period. It is a statistically unavoidable fact. I know Wubi has taken great strides toward letting people try out Ubuntu within Windows, but what Ubuntu really needs is an auto-run feature that works in all flavors of Windows. It could ask a couple questions, reboot the machine, and install Ubuntu and Windows side-by-side (dual-boot by default). The average Windows user won't be ready to cut the cord with Windows that quickly.
4. Cryptic names within the boot loader. The names in the boot loader should be written in Plain English. Instead of "Ubuntu 9.10 Kernel 2.xxx.xx.blah-blah-generic," just put "Ubuntu." Don't even both with the version, as the typical user doesn't care. Instead of "Windows 7 (loader) (on /dev/sda1)," just display "Windows 7." Of course, give advanced users the option to change this, but chances are, they already know how.
5. No shortcuts to common applications on the desktop. The average Windows user typically surfs the web, writes documents, and maybe touches up some photos. Perhaps start Ubuntu for the first time with an interactive wizard that asks the user how they use their PC, and place shortcuts on the desktop accordingly.
6. Avoidance of the terminal at all costs. For better or worse, Windows has trained millions of users that they can accomplish any task through the GUI. Every time I have had to use Ubuntu, even the latest version 9.10, I have had to fire up a terminal for some unforeseen issue. The average user is not usually inclined to Google the answer, and usually even less inclined to actually do it (in Ubuntu's defense, a lot of Microsoft pages direct the user to try cryptic registry editing, so...you know...just saying...).

Those are my top points. Again, these are not meant to be critical...I have nothing but the utmost respect for what the Ubuntu team has done, and continues to do. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments area below.

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