In a slightly different vein, how do you work with SD's software when using Ubuntu? Or is it, as I'm guessing, a case of using SD stuff just when running Windows? Because, if it were possible to still use all of SD's software under Ubuntu, I would bail on MS in a hot second! Better stability, better security, and it uses fewer resources, who wouldn't go for that? Oh yeah, Micro$oft.

Last week I installed XP, Vista, Debian Sarge, and Fedora Core (BTW, my XP came with the computer and I bought Vista, both the Linux distros I paid for postage )on my poor computer. Both Linux distro's ended up with severe graphic corruption on my Nvidia 7600GS even though FC recognised it properly. Debian ended up not booting (unless I used recovery mode and changed the kernel every time, upon which it would boot once into the new kernel), so what with all these issues I formatted the partitions, ran EasyBCD and now I'm just running XP and Vista. (for which my computer is humbly thankful )

QUESTION: (you knew I had one ) What is the minimum specs that it is possible to get a good performance with Windows Blinds, or how can I make my computer work faster? Running Vista (Home) on a 2GHZ laptop with 512MB RAM, and it takes heck-long to boot...just wondering if there's a way I can significantly speed it up so that I can run Windows Blinds without taking half an hour to boot (mind you, I'm downloading Windows Blinds as I type, so I don't know how long it will take, but you get my drift, I hope!) I know a bit about windows, but I don't want to take the super-drastic option of editing my msconfig file to start nothing on boot! WAY off-topic, and this is my first post! Feel free to tell me to shut up and sit down

Maybe my next foray into Linux I'll try Ubuntu. I guess I'm just asking it to run a lot of hardware (all my PCI slots are full, and I use a third-party graphics card as well)...and I need it to network...and run all my highly sophisticated 3D games...and Microsoft Office (I'm a student, couldn't live without Office)...and not require more than a day to set up...  

I'll give it a go...no assessment due immediately anyway...  

Well Jafo my friend that will change in the future when WINE gets better developed and program writers realize that Linux is here to stay and start writing programs for all platforms.

I would stay away from SUSE in any form as they made a few deals with Microsoft and that turned the open source world on it's head as MS is viewed - honestly - as the evil empire and a bad company.

Of course I still use Windows XP - the legit copy that came with this Dell. I will NOT be using Vista for awhile until the bugs - however small - are worked out and Vista has a few Service packs added. If I'm using Windows - even if just for games and not anything else as Linux is where I do most of my work - I crave a OS that is stable.

And yes I have used and worked with Vista many an occasion.

I also use and recommend Fedora Core for a OS that is bleeding edge and rock solid. I've been using FC for almost a year now with no complaints.

Those new to Linux should also consider Xandros. Very decent distro.