I think that you could do something like point 2 using Zero Install, or something similar. Although, I'm not sure that I want things auto uninstalling! Zero Install might allow a more dynamic installation of programs (as well as a more traditional model).

In regard to point five, I think that your hot-plugging notification example is not a good one. Most modern distributions and DE's have these kind of notifications enabled, even Centos 5.1, which I use at work.

Nixer, His point was that He doesn't need microsoft office, and neither do most current linux users, but it's a big draw-back against mainstream adoption of the OS. I wouldn't use Microsoft office on Linux, but a lot of businesses could benefit from Linux if they didn't have to give up Microsoft office.

If we want to talk about Open Source ordeals, let's make Open office more interoperable with MS Office!!! oh yeah... the most popular and critical office suite in the world is closed source and we don't have the resources to make an alternative that's completely compatabile. Oops, I guess we'll have to live with backwards interoperability at an Office 2003 level or port office to linux.

On a general note on Microsofts willingness to do this, They did port office to OSX. Not only is OSX a *nix core so most of the work is done and we know that they are open to licensing it out of the Windows environment. I'll point out that Microsoft office is a HUGE revenue for Microsoft, they make more money per license off of office than windows and would probably be interested in the market share.

I've used linux (non-exclusively) since I was 10 years old. I'm a fan. But right now I think it's at a critical point where it's tittering on the brink of main-stream. Is it breaking the open source ideals Unix was founded on to use it along with closed source software? Has Torvald gone through his entire life without owning a piece of proprietary software? Nobody (that I've ever heard) says that WINE of virtualization is corrupting Linux, Aside from the concept of freely distributed source code Linux was created to be a powerful and versitile operating system that could fit anybodies needs. Is it wrong to let somebody who doesn't want to expose their source provide tools for an open source environment?


I don't want my programs uninstalling on their own, I do want to be able to install packages from the beginning, but that said I do think that Yule and RPM need to be easier to manage and that all distros should have something comparable or better.

1. Built-in Paravirtualization.
Not sure what you mean, but Fedora has builtin KVM virtualisation, and Ubuntu has VirtualBox available. Intalling a Virtual client is easy, and can be used on other machine's VMs once prepared.
Because Linux distros offer so much choice on performance and application mix, it is better to build your own for what you need, then copy and use that for your clients.

2. Applications on Demand.
As others have said, just too many applications to do this. Ubuntu has over 23,000 in its Synaptic repository, but the most popular have been listed in the easy to use Add/Remove menu item. This would seem a better way of doing what you want.

3. Microsoft Office
Do what everyone else does who needs Office - buy Crossover Office and load your own paid for copy.
Some pay for distros come with a version of Crossover pre-installed.

4. A Non-Windows-Looking-Acting-Emulating Window Manager
The Windows Window Manager is an implementation of the XEROX WIMP. Renditions have been available on workstations since it was invented back in 1974. Windows 95 onwards was based on Apple MAC which was based on the XEROX WIMP. It is Windows that looks and works like the others, not the other way round. Actually X versions offer more, like virtual desktops, zoom in virtual screens, multiple X sessions, nest to another user, etc.
Maybe you should look at GNOME with its menu bar along the top. Definitely not Windows like.

5. Interaction
Gee, what old Linux distro are you using? Or are you using a Virtual Machine that needs its virtual ports setting up correctly? Try installing a modern one natively, like Mandriva 2008, Fedora 9, or Ubuntu 8. They all auto mount and bring up a file manager or relevant program when devices like memory sticks, digital cameras, USB drives, music CDs, video DVDs, etc are plugged into a port.

I have tried to move to OpenOffice. I think i's great office suite, but still many of MS office can't be found in it.