I have posted on this subject several times in the past. For most people, new to linux, this is a very important stage. Their first tenative steps and IMHO everything should be done in the design to ensure that it goes smoothly. Whilst the purists like to look under the bonnet; that is fine, but for the majority of new users they should not need to have to do that from the off.
Keyboards and video cards are the two major hurdles to overcome before the new user can get going. If they can see or type in instructions - passwords etc., they are dead in the water!!
So much of LL is EXCELLENT - in built hardware compatibilites, no bloat etc. - it is a shame that there is this first hurdle to overcome - it can create doubts in the new user; their thinking that they have done something wrong, even broken their machine?
I come back again to puppy linux - my first real successful contact with linux - everything worked straight out of the bag and was good enough for basic browsing, emails skype etc. I then progressed to Mint - again no setup compatibility issues.
I was pleased to find the more capable (less resource hungry with no loss in function/potential) LL by accident sometime later and it is now the basis for my HO work - Long may it contine
We will soon have the Windows 7 community to woo as I suspect many of them will be loathe to update their equipment just to stay with MS. The easier we can make that transition for them the better.
Therefore if the choice is between speed of loading or completeness at this crusicial first stage, then my vote is for completeness.
My 2p's worth.
