So I got my boss's "hand me down" as a "loaner". Its a step up from my
own laptop, and I've been spending the day installing software on it. I
do this for a living - I'm a software engineer, and its a pain. Gotta
hunt down the CDs, find the "serial numbers", download patches, find all
my favorite settings for this and that...

I realized, this has got be almost impossible for the non-engineering
person. Ouch - what a pain it must be for anyone else to recover when
they're pc burps. At least I know where to begin, and might be able to
get most of my "old stuff" back - but it must be horribly unfair for
everyone else.

Mike, I hear you there...I have 3 desktops & 1 laptop...they keep me
plenty busy!

for what u need so many?

I want to buy a brand new laptop. But in that case I will sell desktop I
think

hey Mike I work for a PC company and don't havea clue about computers
.... so feel my pain when they replace the one on my desk every 12 to 18
months ... LOL... does the word LOST for a few days mean anyting ??....
Good luck with all that Dude ...

Took me the whole day of nonstop downloading/patching installing and
waiting a few times.

People often say that linux is hard to use, but this is one area that
linux systems can really kicks ass! Once your system is up and running,
there is an immense collection of software that can be installed over
the network with a few mouse clicks.

Probably the easiest form of this can be found by googling the phrase
"click and run".

Most things are automatically configured, there is no need for license
keys, no hunting for CDs, no rebooting. Its great!

I always wanted to try linux but I need a new/bigger hard drive.

SIMON, DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS TO MAKE ANOTHER REALITY SHOW ?