For all the potential benefits of open source code, and Linux's reliability in comparison with some of Microsoft's operating systems, none of Linux's various distributions offers anywhere near the ease of use required from a general-purpose operating system. Both have their supporters and detractors within the world of Linux. However, within the world of Reality nobody really cares. We just want a front-end we can use.
Interface design is difficult.
It's not a case of sticking a few icons and toolbars together and hoping for the best, it's about understanding who is going to use your product and what they want to do with it. The Foundation is a consortium of hardware and software manufacturers that have teamed up to promote Gnome as a desktop standard for Linux, and for Sun's Solaris operating systems. The Gnome Foundation includes such heavyweights as Compaq, IBM, Sun and Red Hat, all committed to throwing development effort at Gnome and moulding it into a desktop environment for the masses. This should provide an ideal starting point to pull Gnome's rather obtuse front-end into better shape. I've read about the Gnome Foundation, is there anything about making Gnome more accessible for the end-user.