I'm not being contrary, I really am curious. I have installed Linux on over
1500 machines in the span of 5 years and since the
.27 kernel, wifi, sound and printers just work (TM) OOTB. At least the majority of the time. There are the occasional hiccups sure but I've had way more trouble getting some drivers to work in Windows than Linux.
When you are dealing with a computing public that can't differentiate between "download" and "install", or those who cannot understand the concept of a browser, then you are never going to get them to consider another operating system. It takes me about 5 minutes of conversation to decide if I am going to introduce someone to Linux. Sadly, about 70 percent of the time, I decide as a paid tech, to keep taking their money as a Windows User. It makes my life easier and after all, I have a kid to put through college.