Actually no. Linux has very widespread adoption from computer users and very little adoption from appliance users. That is because many of the things appliance users do with their computers (print things, play videos, listen to podcasts) require a specialized knowledge and an ability to parse user forums in order to work on Linux. There is no one to call up when Ubuntu doesn't print, there is no one listening at 1-800-PULS-AUDIO to answer questions about setting your mixer so your headphones turn off the speakers when they are plugged in. And perhaps, the most damning is when you buy a product that is used with a "computer" it rarely says on the package "Works with Linux" while it does say Windows and OS X.
Why not just accept that those people, the people who could care less about whether or not they can change their window manager or if Qt is better than GTK2 will never want to use Linux . They don't want to use a computer, they want to run "apps" which do something they want (play a game, or calculate their taxes, or help them write a letter). The more the underlying complexity of the system is reduced to zero the better, which is anathema to 99% of the FOSS community so it never ends up in the release.
> require a specialized knowledge and an ability to parse user forums in order to work on Linux
And don't forget, nearly unlimited free-time with which to do these things. Most working professionals don't have that, so whatever Windows/Mac device they choose is so they can spend what time they do have getting shit done, not screwing around for 3 or 4 days trying to figure out why the usb port doesn't work or how to maximize the value out of the $300 video card they bought without mucking around with recompiling drivers or some such.
Why not just accept that those people, the people who could care less about whether or not they can change their window manager or if Qt is better than GTK2 will never want to use Linux . They don't want to use a computer, they want to run "apps" which do something they want (play a game, or calculate their taxes, or help them write a letter). The more the underlying complexity of the system is reduced to zero the better, which is anathema to 99% of the FOSS community so it never ends up in the release.