So many articles are written today about Linux and its benefits.  Of course, you would expect that these techies would start ranting about their IT jargon until you'll end up confused with jaws dropping.  In the end, what matters is just one question: "Can I use it with ease?"

This is the basic question I've been asking when trying out different Linux distribution after my Windows XP (Pirated edition) has failed me miserable after it crashed an average of 3 times per month.  This made me greatly consider about all the try-the-Linux-Live-CD commotion...and so I did.

The first set of Linux distribution I tried was an Ubuntu Linux (sorry, I forgot the version but this was 2 years ago).  I was surprised how easy it was.  The GUI was great and OpenOffice seems to be useable. I also tried OpenSUSE, Mandriva, Red Hat, Bayanihan. All seems okay. But I never actually installed them fearing the worse.

Lately, this youtube video made me think twice:


Damn, the GUI is so pretty. And so I made the shift...and so far, no hardware problems, no community support problems, no hassles!  At first, I dual boot it with Windows XP but after two weeks of trying out Ubuntu, I never looked back. I wiped my harddrive clean and installed a fresh copy of Ubuntu 7.04 + beryl (the 3D desktop thing).  Next project is installing either Avant Window Navigator (to make it Mac OSX style) and Gdesklets (like Yahoo! Widgets).

And this is how my dekstop looks now...instant eye candy without having to upgrade my box.