I gave Linux and Vista a shot. Linux just cannot run the apps I like, and Vista is slow on the same hardware XP is lightning quick on. Back to XP Pro.
Here's a thought... "Why do people run [or want to run] Linux"? Is it because, "everything runs much faster and smoother than on XP"? HELL No! It's because Linux is free and XP is not. What if XP were free? How many would choose Linux then? What if XP could be had for <$20? Would you choose the hassles of Linux over XP to save $20? XP can be had for $20 or less by almost everybody if they'll give it the effort... (There are always people who will "do ANYTHING to save a buck"... I once encountered a man who changed auto insurance companies to save a $1 annual premium! Can you imagine?) The ONLY legitimate argument in favor of Linux (make that, "semi-legitimate") is that it's free. Linux, schminux.... TOTAL waste of time and effor except for all but the geekiest.
My main reasons for Linux are stability (espec. Java apps), security (not as pathetically vulnerable to all kinds of attacks as Windows) and respect to user (Linux updates at least inform me what exactly is updated and don't force to reboot when it's least comfortable to do). Would I pay $100 for Ubuntu? Without any doubts I would if it was commercial... But the fact of it being open source is even better (and also makes flaws to get fixed faster when they are found).
Pishaww... I've used XP for years... NEVER had a stability issue, Java apps included... NEVER had a security attack (OK, one virus)... updates not an issue... routine Windows updates have been non-events... no "forced reboot when least comfortable"... what the Hell is "least comfortable"? That some kind of stretch? Your arguments for Linux are weak, VERY WEAK.
To all the MS whiners... Larry Ellison is looking for PR person. Oh wait, you guys don't qualify. PR requires new spins on the same old decades long arguments. Maybe GOOG needs you... surely they'll need someone to spin the storage of every click you make. It's a good thing, really, MS just doesn't get it.
And I've never had h/w compatibility issues or other nightmares which are told about Linux (like having to recompile a kernel )... Posted a list of all what works right from the start on my Linux box in one of previous posts... Stability - some have issues, other have not, but mind you "one virus" can cost you a lot of valuable data loss (and time to recover from it)... And after all, do we need any arguments? For me the main principle is wide CHOICE... So I'm happy with the fact that Linux is about as good as Windows (XP)... But don't forget, XP won't last forever. Soon you'll be literally forced by MS to move on their newer OSes... It's their typical policy.
1. Virus infection should not cost any ET'er more than 10 minutes time. Otherwise, he's being careless about backups. 2. OK, that's a second point in favor of Linux. But XP will be supported until at least 2014. Perhaps by then, the bugs will be worked out of Linux and maybe mainstream computer users can use it comfortably??