replaced Win2K with Ubuntu
I recently became aware that Ubunto Linux could be set up to run *.wmv files. The last hold out that kept me from replacing Win2k pro on my "ancient" (4 years old off lease box).
I set up Ubuntu 7.04 (fiesty faun) on the box and tried to run a wmv, it politely told me it had to find a codec. After it found the codecs I authorized it to install and viola I had a laptop with a fresh operating system that could do everything I wanted.
This process could not have been easier. The laptop is a Dell 610, 1ghz pentium 3M with a 40g hdd and 256 M ram. It was a long download on my 800k dsl connection.
I post this not to brag but to possibly reduce some of the FUD that goes with breaking the connection with MS when you can't upgrade your equipment or your disposable spending can't support the constant upgrade of MS products.