Because people who are new to Linux *usually* want to see wiz bang installation and pretty desktops with the least amount of effort. If they get something else many of them are turned off (unfoundedly so). Those who already have experience already know about the other great distros and their advantages. You are correct that Debian is an excellent, no let me refrase that, an OUTSTANDING distribution of Linux.
But it's not my recommendation that they start out with it if they are coming from the dark size and expect to see glitz. Once they get the hook in their mouth they can move on to the "better" distros (better in some ways, not all). And if you'll notice I have linuxiso.org in my tagline which has many more distros and aren't very biased toward any one distro.
Now are there distros with better looking installation menus than RedHat? Yes, but most of those are more trouble than they are worth after installation. Are there distros that are more refined? Yes, but most of those don't have the glitz.
I would say RedHat is a good middle of the road distro that is extremely popular, backed by a good company with great support, and works very well. Those are a just a few of the reasons I chose to use it in the companies I deal with and what I use primarily at home. And because of that I am in a better position to provide help for the n00bs. Is it the absolute best for every possible use? No, but it certainly can do anything any other distro can do. Just how much work is it? And how much does that depend on your experience level?
[ December 08, 2002: Message edited by: void main ]
