I have Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex" installed on both my "Gaming" computer, "GAMER3" and my IBM ThinkPad 600X, "Bird". The screen shot is from "Bird".

Like most Linux Distros there is plenty software included. FireFox 3, OpenOffice 2.4, The GIMP 2.6, A bit torrent type of downloader, a bunch of games, a movie player, and even an easy to use CD/DVD burner.

The previous release of Ubuntu, Ubuntu 8.04.1 "Hardy Heron" was almost perfect, with only two problems on my IBM ThinkPad 600X. It wouldn't automatically shut down because the ACPI (power interface soft/hardware) was too early a version (1999) and the Wireless Interface network manager applet would drop WiFi connections.

On the previous release all the hardware worked, even the sound.

Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex" all the hardware works on my laptop with the exception of the ACPI (power interface soft/hardware) but the Wireless Interface network manager applet is fixed. Hangs onto WiFi connections like a pitbull.

The only ill effect from the ACPI not working is I have to manually turn off the power switch and it doesn't reliably reboot, neither. Not a big deal for me to physically move a switch.

The Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex" Operating System can be downloaded at Ubuntu.com. The CD ISO comes with everything you need to get a system up and running, including NDISWrapper which allows you to run networking cards using the Windows drivers if Linux doesn't support the hardware. NDISWrapper comes with a graphical interface (NDISWrapper-gtk) that makes using the windows driver easy.

First time I used NDISWrapper was on Xubuntu 6.04 and there wasn't a graphical interface at that time. Wasn't that hard because at Ubuntu.com is also a great Help Forum that is far better than what Microsoft gives, and it's free! I just looked up the WiFi card I was using and the instructions were easy enough.

There are several versions of "Intrepid Ibex" at Ubuntu.com. One is a "Live CD" that is bootable and you can "testdrive" Ubuntu without modifying your system. There is also and "Alternate Install" CD to use on the lower spec computers that the "Live CD" won't run on.

There are also versions for 64bit processors, Power PC (older Macintosh) and I believe even the Sparc Workstation (High-End Power Workstation)

Once installed and connected to the Internet there are many easily installable "packages" of software. One that you will want is the "Ubuntu Restricted Extras" which is a package containing Audio & Video codecs, FlashPlayer, Java, Microsoft Fonts and a few other necessities.

On the "Technology" page of this Website under "Technology 1" is a neat Diagram I did of my "Toys" using "Dia", one of the many programs you can install.

Comparing Linux and Windows, there are some things that Linux doesn't have. Software to connect to my BlackBerry for one. Fortunately Linux comes with a very nice multi-boot loader call GRUB that will auto-detect Windows installations and allow a dual-boot system (can run Linux or Windows). My laptop is a dual-boot system, Ubuntu 8.10 or Windows 2000 Pro.

One thing that's not missed by Linux users are the virus, spyware, and trojan problems. These "malwares" have absolutely no effect on a Linux PC. Linux is "immune", not fertile ground for malware. Of course, if you transfer files and programs you have downloaded with Linux to a Windows PC there is a risk of being a "Typhoid Mary".

There is a nice manual scan virus scanner call ClamAV that does a good job of checking downloads. Since it is a manual scanner you have to remember to run it. It's on the "Add/Remove Applications" at the bottom of the "Applications" menu.

If you want a safe, very stable Operating System with plenty of extra "goodies" and are tired of the Micro$haft Windows problems try Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex". With the "Live CD" it is easy to try and here's the best part: It's Absolutely FREE!