Which software is recommended for average users? Are users expected to use PPAs/third-party repositories/etc. to get the latest software? I've read complaints that some distributions only update their repositories every six months, leaving users with old software, and I've seen the argument in the other direction, that average users should use the older, stable software, versus the bleeding edge stuff.

How do you believe distributions should function? Should they provide new software in their regular repositories or leave new software for advanced users willing to look for it? Should new users be advised to stick with what is in the repositories, or should we encourage the use of other sources?

I ask because Kubuntu and Fedora are released more in sync with the GNOME release schedule than the KDE SC release schedule, and OpenSUSE is synced with neither. Users wanting to use the newest KDE SC as it is released must install from something other than the default, stable repositories (except, I think, in Fedora's case). Should we encourage using the newest KDE SC right away or waiting for it to appear in the newest stable release of a distribution?

Edits: Typos.

The key issue for new users is not often getting the latest version but getting security updates. Since there is a learning curve associated with new software, giving them time to settle in and work out what they really need is more important than loading them with the latest updates, however excited long time users may be about them.

In most cases the version of KDE they are using will be an advance on any prior computing experience they have had.

Kmetamorphosis wrote:How do you believe distributions should function? Should they provide new software in their regular repositories or leave new software for advanced users willing to look for it? Should new users be advised to stick with what is in the repositories, or should we encourage the use of other sources?

I agree with john_hudson.

With regard to 'How do you believe distributions should function?', I don't think that there is any one way in which they should behave - instead, it is important for users to choose a distribution with a packaging and updating policy that meets their needs.

Some distributions (Debian, CentOS) will opt for stability, which can mean older versions of apps in their repositories. Others (Sidux, Fedora) have an entirely different approach and will ship new or experimental features earlier than others. This diversity is extremely healthy and should be encouraged! It ensures that new Linux developments are exposed to significant numbers of users of bleeding-edge distros without necessarily compromising the stability of other distros which are aimed at production or enterprise usage.