I have been using Linux exclusively since 1998, when installing Linux on a PC was an adventure.
My first distro was Redhat 6.1 which I bought at the local BestBuy--on 3.5" floppies. Getting various bits of hardware was tricky (anybody remember the ZipDrive?), and the dialup connection I had in those days was iffy, but I got everything to work with the help of a guy at my ISP who was a Linux geek. I had trouble downloading and installing updates because I had difficulties with the CLI incantations. Then I tried Mandrake 8.0, this time on CD on a different machine. Still had trouble with urpmi, but the installation was much easier than on earlier machines.
Finally, I switched to Ubuntu 6.06 and switched from dialup to DSL, and I have stayed with it ever since. I currently have Ubuntu 17.04 on an HP notebook.
The only solution to moving more users onto the Linux desktop is for we users to proselytize! I give out Ubuntu on usb keys as birthday and holiday gifts, and provide support whenever needed.
Linux forever, down with M$!!!