Mossberg's Ubuntu Linux verdict: Nope

Walt Mossberg, the influential Wall Street Journal reviewer who strikes fear into the hearts of computing and gadget companies, has weighed in on Ubuntu Linux.

And it's bad news for Linux fans.

Despite Dell's endorsement of the Canonical-sponsored software and its decision to sell PCs with it installed, Mossberg thinks Ubuntu isn't ready for mainstream folks.

His conclusion: "Even in the relatively slick Ubuntu variation, Linux is still too rough around the edges for the vast majority of computer users. While Ubuntu looks a lot like Windows or Mac OS X, it is full of little complications and hassles that will quickly frustrate most people who just want to use their computers, not maintain or tweak them."

Specifically, Mossberg griped about having to download codecs to play ordinary audio and video files, and some codecs were labeled "bad" or "ugly"; an oversensitive but unadjustable touch pad; and a lousy time connecting an iPod.

"Open source is a two-edged sword. While it draws on smart developers from many places, nobody is ultimately responsible for the quality of the product, and open-source developers often have an imperfect feel for how average people use software," Mossberg said.