Ubuntu- Not there yet.
I ordered a free cd from Ubuntu of their latest release Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) and installed it on my Acer Inspire laptop, which already had Vista Home Premium. I liked that I could install it from within Vista but I don’t think it is quite ready for the mainstream. Here are the positives:
- easy install (never shagged up Vista)
- recognized my wireless connection
- updates automatically
- great 3d effects
- lots of software included (i.e. Open Office)
- iPod works automatically when plugged in
- Live cd allows you to use it without installing (boot from the cd)
The negatives:
- not always easy to install software (I sometimes had to use Terminal)
- did not recognize my built-in web cam
- learning curve for people used to Windows interface
- lots of software and hardware still not supported
- my nVidia graphics card had to use a generic driver (sometimes flaky)
If you are a techie or knowledge geek then go for it, otherwise use with caution.
