I really like Ubuntu because it’s fast and configurable, but using it in a real life environment requires some determination. Apple has done it’s best to integrate with the Microsoft world and they’re doing quite a good job. Linux is still running behind in that sense and probably always will.

Using Ubuntu without the rest of the world is just great. But as soon as you start receiving MS Word documents, Powerpoints, Visios, Enterprise Architect documents, or own an iPhone or Apple TV then life becomes complicated.

Millions of people now use Ubuntu and the number is growing rapidly every single day and will continue to do so.

Its irrelevant what I think or claim to know, what is important is _choice_ in the areas where once it seemed like there was none.

An easy to use, flexible, capable, robust and efficient system is now availible, for free to anyone who wants it, and plenty do.

Choose whatevers best for you.

ps. I prefer linux from scratch

99% of the things you want to do with an OS can be done out of the box, and the other 1% can be done after a quick google search on how to make it work. The terminal is there, and can be used IF YOU WANT TO. If you dont want to use the terminal then dont. Most linux users will use the terminal quite a lot once they know how though, as it is easier than a gui. Take installing a new software package under ubuntu. There is a gui application that allows you to search for the app you want, and install it. However if accustomed to the command line, the user can search for a software package and install it in 2 commands.

As for whoever said that every 30 boots (or so) the linux user needs to tweak their boot settings as it stops working, please if you have no idea please dont comment. If you had ever run ubuntu, or any linux distro for that matter, you would realise how stupid this comment it. Ive been running ubuntu for the last several years, and to be honest i bet i can count on my fingers the ammount of times ive had to reboot… Try running windows (ANY version) without rebooting at least once a week..

What’s interesting to think about is that it already is. Though Linux isn’t ready for the average desktop user, it is right for nearly everybody else. Servers? Use Red Hat. Development? Use Slackware (or a derivative. I prefer Vector). Tech-enthusiast? Run Ubuntu (or, again, a derivative).

Here’s my thing with Windows: look how restricted you are. You can’t use an alternate window manager. You can’t customize your install. You can barely do any custom fixes (even then, those are mostly small hacks). Most people don’t care. Power users do. That’s why we use Linux.