A solution to Microsoft locking down Vista kernel...

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I loaded Red Hat Linux Enterprise Linux ES on a Panasonic ToughBook (which came with Windows XP Pro installed). I needed a robust webserver (Apache) with a robust OS, and I went with what I thought best without a significant amount of research (didn't have the time). The ToughBook's LAN, WLAN and video hardware are not supported by the Red Hat install, but acquiring the correct drivers for the LAN and video was easy through Open Source sites on the Internet. I can't get the WLAN running without quite a bit of work (or until a later version of Linux is distributed by Red Hat), but I don't need this functionality for my purposes.

BTW, Red Hat acts as a 'systems integrator'. They take the most recent stable version of Linux, as well as other Open Source applications, and package them together into one install. One can get the same software free, but unless you're knowledgeable of Linux it will take some effort. For me, the cost of the Red Hat package would be less than my time spent on integrating the software into my laptop.

The Red Hat install came with Open Office. I haven't had a chance to really try it, but my initial impression is that it is very complete, and at least as capable as Microsoft Office. I'm sure you can get reviews and comparisons of the two, but whether they would be unbiased, well...

I with great patience am trying to run Vista64 beta but at least two programs that run fine on XP64 refuse to run, one is 'Audacity' and the other is 'WxtoImg' both available for free and very useful for weather satellite picture display.

Has anyone had any experience with Vista32 and these programs.