Something I neglected to mention in the original discussion. Windows Help and Troubleshooting Tools are virtually useless, while the availability of Linux support is nearly too profuse, making it sometimes difficult to find a solution to one's specific question. Furthermore, Linux support is generally couched in "computereze", the translation of which can sometimes be a challenge to us casual users. From years ago, I remember a response to a question from Apple, "Sorry. We didn't think about that. You are on your own." Or something to this effect. I don't know if Apple has changed their attitude or not...

I find Windows help extremely annoying, it always gives me answers i don't want.

I still have XP but next will be Linux.

When will the MS fanboys start to speak up?

I've been thinking about switching to Linux myself. Being the type that likes to build, upgrade and tweak, Apple is out of the question. I'm not all that impressed by them, anyway. The last two times I've had a lockup were on friends Macs. I don't even know when the last time XP locked on me. I'm surprised about the difference between 98 and XP, though. I actually like XP, and it's been MUCH more stable for me than 98 was. I recently put XP 64 on my new screamer, and I love the speed and the extended RAM, but I have a printer and a scanner that aren't supported, so they remain hooked to my laptop.

Computers. Can't they all just get along?

which linux distro do you like

I use Ubuntu 7.10 on the desktop, Xubuntu 7.10 on the laptop. Xubuntu is an abreviated version of Ubuntu designed for laptops and other technically-challenged hardware...

The honeymoon's over eh?

Windows help & support is goofy, try directing your windows faults to http://www.technet.microsoft.com/en-us/defaul.aspx

and to http://www.techsupportforum.com

Thanks, bwise. I will give them a try. I have always been puzzled as to why a user community similar to that found for Linux has never developed for Windows...

Ask the script kiddies why they love penguins

OK, bwire- the www.technet.microsoft.com link doesn't work, and the techsupportforum.com requires a payment to post a question, and I don't have any means to submit on-line payments (I never, EVER purchase directly on line!). Any other suggestions?

Oops! spell default right in the link and it should work.

Open a free account and create a user name and password is all that's required to use the forum where you were reading??

Your experiences with Windows 98SE, XP and Linux mirror my own. I now use Linux (Ubuntu 8.04) for most all my computing.

My biggest complaint with Linux is that (similar to Windows technology) unless you've grown up using it, the information even on the blogs is disjointed and I find a hard time getting clear answers. For example, I used skype frequently and havent yet found a clear answer as to a webcamera that works appropriately with Ubuntu 8.04. If I want visual communications on skype, I have to go to my one remaining Windows XP machine to skype.