Every now and then, I get a bit fed up with Windows and so I download Ubuntu to see how they are getting on, and yesterday, I tried the newest version Ubuntu 13.04. Installation was a breeze as usual, and after getting going I was surprised how much quicker at starting up - I counted 10 seconds on my 64bit system. I like the new left hand launcher, where you pin all shortcuts to your most used software. Libre Office is a worthwhile alternative to Excel and Word. Installing new software was a piece of cake - got my Dropbox installed from the software centre, and I was surprised how quick Firefox and Thunderbird in launching and processing new messages and loading pages, seems much faster than Windows. Of course the Linux snobs will scoff at how Ubuntu is not the real deal, but if, like me your coming from a windows environment, it was painless transition. Any alternative to windows will only work if its easy to grasp - start asking people to sudo-this, etc, they'll run a mile. Ubuntu addresses that problem to an extent.
I've been using Ubuntu for about 18 months and yesterday it updated itself to the latest 13.04 release. Like you, Rob, I'm running it on a 64 bit machine (an 8 core i7 processor) and it has never given me any problems, it just all works. I have had problems with Libre Office and have switched to Open Office - upon which LO is based - which cured the issues. I do suggest you install Cairo Dock - a Mac-like launcher with some useful gadgets including a desktop switcher; I normally have four virtual desktops running at any one time. I do still run Windows programs under Windows 7 using Oracle's (free) VirtualBox and there's no appreciable performance hit. If Windows crashes, which it is prone to do, it doesn't take my PC with it and I simply restart the VirtualBox session and carry on.
You wait till I get started on 'rooting' and later on, launch the 'Slypheed'. Maybe bring out the 'Gimp' as well. Sudo that one! Honestly if I used words like that in the early 80's, I'd be swiftly sent to the nearest police station for the public's safety...
I ran Ubuntu and Windows side by side for a year before making the final switch so it isn't either/or. I now use Ubuntu exclusively. However, I do do much game-playing, which is probablt the only reason for keeping windows.
