"Thing time we’re covering the second in a sub-series about Linux utilities." Replace with: "This time we’re covering the second in a sub-series about Linux utilities." I know close to nothing about Linux so I'll leave an annoying remark about a typo. »

"...the work went about installing and hiding itself..." Worm... the worm went about installing and hiding itself... »

Easier: Boot to Windows. Done. »

Hi carling, The answer to your question "Why! didn’t you buy the latest Windows (Vista) and all of the applications" is that Windows XP came installed and working on both my laptop and desktop. I have no need for Vista. And yes, I have purchased all of my apps for Windows already. Many I can't get for Linux. I'm not against Linux (why would I have both of my systems dual boot if I were?). I'm a realist and don't hate Windows simply because they pay their software engineers salaries to develop their code (evil, EVIL, paid engineers... Argh!!!). As for Linux, I got into it because here at NASA it is being used a lot in the labs (ASIST runs on it, etc.). It also takes a team of Linux GURUs to maintain (yes, Windows machines do as well). The last time I mounted, used, then unmounted my USB flash stick in one of NASA's Linux boxes it wiped the stick. So, yes, I still say that Linux isn't ready for Joe Average User. It's great for people with the time and patience to mess with it. If you only use it on VERY standard desktops it's fine as well - well except for wiping out my USB drive data... »

Both my laptop and home desktop are dual boot Linux (Ubuntu 6.10). I have to say that the statment: "If you’re an Average Joe (like me), the answer is probably 'No.' " is not worded strongly enough. With the hours, turned into days, that I have had to waste getting Linux to run on my two computers, rather than earning money, I could have purchased the latest Windows and all of the applications that I will ever need. Linux is almost at the Windows 3.1 stage of maturity. I started out using Redhat on my laptop (paid $90 for support as well! - Of course they simply told me "not supported" each time I had an issue). I couldn't use my built-in wireless network adapter without a WINDOWS driver to wrap around (Redhat is WONDERFUL as long as you have Windows to make it work). The display resolution wouldn't work either (screen repeated itself part way across). After switching to Ubuntu, and about 8 more hours later, I can use my laptop with Linux. Oh, but I can't play mp3 files. Same with my desktop regarding mp3s and screen resolution. Ugh!!! Yes, "probably" is not the right word for "is Linux ready." DEFINATELY NOT is accurate. Linux is still only for the experts with a LOT of free time on their hands. And, YES, I am a Linux fan. I am also realistic about what it can and can't do (Linus does crash) vs. what Windows can and can't do. »