We dumped Windows completely over a year ago. My machines run on opensuse 10.3, my babe is using Ubuntu. Things are much easier because now I can forget about so called "computer problems" and focus on my work. I've never faced a problem using opensuse, my machine runs stable and secure updating itself frequently.
In this thread most of the people stated they used to "play" with Linux. An operating system is nothing to "play" with, it handles the pc's vital functions. I can imagine that most of the people trying Linux are overwhelmed by the huge amount of software that comes with a Linux distribution and the endless options of configuring your computer the way you want it.
With Linux everything is at your fingertips, you can dig deep in your system and adjust everything the way you want it to be - but you don't have to! I really don't miss antivirus-software slowing down my boot-process or desktop-firewalls "calling home". With Linux I just don't need shit like that.
Sure, there is no thing like photoshop. But hey, that's the price of freedom. And it's not only free it's also for free. By the way: Did you know Linux is #1 operating system in Hollywood?
LinuxMovies.org - Advancing Linux Motion Picture Technology
Two more things:
Being a webmaster like most of you folks I need IE for checking the results of my work. I could run it with WINE on my box directly but I decided to use VMware for setting up a virtual Windows Xp inside my Linuxbox. That way I can run both Systems and use those great Microsux products without rebooting or stuff. Very handy tool.
Last but not least let me show you the power in development of Linux. You think Vista Aero was a revolution on the desktop? Check out this video comparing Windows Vista and Linux Ubuntu Beryl.
YouTube - WINDOWS VISTA AERO VS LINUX UBUNTU BERYL
Have fun...
aj.