I think the simple answer is that distributions got a whole bunch of polish and automation. I install Ubuntu these days by building a boot drive using a gui to

I think the simple answer is that distributions got a whole bunch of polish and automation. I install Ubuntu these days by building a boot drive using a gui tool, then just clicking my way through the installers. Getting online involves ... typing in my password. In the late 90s I had to figure out AT commands and set up ppp and so on, and getting X11 up and running required config voodoo. I miss some of it. Not that much though.