As a Linux Mint user for five years, and used Ubuntu for other about eight years before, I have seen Linux getting better and more user friendly with time. While there are some distros like Arch, that require more technical know-how, there are distros like Linux Mint and Zorin OS that are great for people who are new to Linux, or just want an OS that doesn't need to get their hands into the technical side of managing their computer.
Yet, it is hard to make people that haven't used Linux Mint, or other distro like it, to see that it is quite an easy OS by anyone no mater how much technical knowledge they have. While there is some learning curve when jumping to from Windows, it isn't as big as many think. Because basically the mayor changes are some of the names of the apps that used to administrate the OS use. Installing apps, are least the most commonly used, can be used via the software manager which uses a graphical interface for the install, and uninstall, process.
Even if there is a need to use the terminal, there are easy to use guides to help out. But,those cases are becoming less common, since Linux distros that focus on being user friendly are working on making apps available on their software managers to be installed easy via a graphic interface. Which is important, because people coming from Windows to Linux are used doing so.
I feel what is also missing from more adoption, is making new users welcomed. Specially those who aren't technically savvy. Without them, the adoption of Linux will be minimal since those are the most the of the user base. There is a need to create a way that makes the jump easier, by making them feel welcome and helping them along.
How do we help them? By pointing them to the tools they need to solve the problems that come up, and actually help them step-by-step when they need that help. Not everyone was the same level of knowledge, or has the time or want, to get that knowledge.
By making it easy not only to make the jump, but to stay, the current user will benefit from having more people using a Linux distro. Because with more users, Linux will become a OS that more apps developers will target. Not only corporate, but also independent developers, since there will be people to support their apps. By creating a bigger market, and ecosystem, for users for apps on Linux the more will it become an option for more people.
I would also want to see physical places set up to help people out when they face a problem.. While online tools are available, and there are great, they still don't create the level of trust that having a person beside you helping, and teaching you, best practices and how to make the most out of your computer. From how to use certain apps the best ways, to how to create hem, there is lot of ways these places can help making Linux a trusted OS for more people. With this, more manufactures will have more motives to sell their computers with Linux preinstall. Maybe not all of them, but at least the more popular ones. Some might sell computers with no OS, allowing users install their own when they buy it. Another way physical places can help out people who choose to go that way.
At the end of the day, computers and software are tools used by people to do something. Either it is for work, or for leisure, the tool they choose has to work for them without getting in the way, or having to learn how to do everything to use it. Some just want to get the apps they need ready to be used, and the OS they run on doesn't get in the way. Linux can be that, and still have a place for those who like to build their OS and computer from the ground up.
That is the power of Linux, it has the power to be the tool any user needs and can use.
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