Why Vista is the perfect time to switch to Ubuntu Linux

With the release of Vista by Microsoft and the new Office you are going to have to 'learn'. New icons New workflows New error messages etc... You are going to have to buy new hardware to get the fancy theme it offers etc. But you have other choices. Some may say buy a Mac? But that would be one more blow against the local economy. So why not try Ubuntu Linux. A user friendly system for your computer to get all your work and fun done. Not only does it have numerous alternatives software from say Photoshop or Office but if you 'need' Photo shop or Office 2007 you can run these two in Ubuntu without any problems. No need to update your hardware. No need to buy software from some other part of the world. Here is a good example of how it helps the local economy. You need to update to Vista so you go to BestBuy and ask for the $1,000 computer w/ Vista on it. (because in this example it will not run on your older computer. Because it is Best Buy some money goes to the local economy and jobs but a store this large has frustrated many of us with poor customer service). You still need to buy Office 2007 ($250) And virus software ($50) So the total is $1,300. Going Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/ f you want to read about who they are) Take the computer to an Ubuntu friendly shop (Left-Click.us in Amherst behind Bruegger Bagels.) Ask them to install Ubuntu and set it up so it 'just works'. Get two lessons on how to use your computer. Buy a magazine at Border(s) (or ask you local bookshop to order them) and get some good tips on your new computer setup. Total $500-$700 (no spyware worries, virus protection is free) All this goes to the local economy your bank account and a local store. Not Seattle for Microsoft (and Bill Gates $125 million Home) nor Apple in California (or Steve Jobs at $75,000,000 a year) Why not go Ubuntu and local? Alfred Nutile ...."no solution is perfect, but the idea of us working together as community toward a better solution is perfection"