Ubuntu

Ubuntu seems to be the current fad in computing, probably because of Vista's problems. For those who don't know, Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based off Debian which has been made more user friendly. Even Dell is going to start offering Ubuntu preinstalled on a few of their computers soon. Being a fairly long time Linux user myself, I'm all for the extra attention Ubuntu has been netting the Linux world since it turns up lots of useful tips on various blogs. Take for example, this ExtremeTech article. The first few pages are pretty boring to anyone who has used Gnome before but the subsequent pages are full of useful tips for Gnome and BASH users, both new and more experienced.

If you haven't already tried Ubuntu and want to get in on the action there are a bunch of ways to give it a try. You could just download the CD or DVD (or order a CD for free in the mail) which has a limited Ubuntu system which you can install to an extra hard drive. You could also try out "Wubi" which will install Ubuntu in Windows (I haven't personally tied it yet, since I have Linux installed anyway, but Lifehacker liked it). Or, as I have suggested before, try out the Knoppix LiveCD (or DVD). Knoppix is also based on Debian but is intended to be used exclusively as a boot disc and has a huge amount of software installed for you to try out.