One of linux's biggest issues is that linux hasn't been developed with consumers in mind for such a long time.

Thats why I opted to use mint for recording DevCasts: https://www.youtube.com/user/devfactor

other linux distros offer tons of tools for programmers, but are difficult to beginning users or non-programmers to migrate over to.

In order for Linux to really catch on, they need to offer at least a basic level of tools to attract regular (non-coding) consumers.