I'm surprised so many people have such issues with linux. Running Kubuntu on multiple machines, I've had no more issues than I had in the past with Windows.
A lot of these complaints are hardware related. A quick guide based on my experience with my new coworkers installing linux:
If you buy a Mac and put Linux on it, wellm, ur doing it wrong. Why pay a premium for OS/hardware integration and not use it? It's a silly as putting Linux on an SGI and yes it runs but you lose all that fancy hardware.
A lot of these complaints are hardware related. A quick guide based on my experience with my new coworkers installing linux:
Lenovo Thinkpads: Work seamlessly
Dell Latitudes: Only minor issues
Macs: Hell setting up