I would use linux for the simple things like server applications i can't run and such..
I do alot of Linux bots and such withc i have on a VPS, would be nice to have a quick local test..
Hi Iffpicard if you want to run server applications on Linux you don't really want to do dual boot as you will want to run Linux full time. This is better done with a virtual machine.
But I agree that Linux shouldn't be left out of the picture. There are also applications in Linux that will allow you to run Windows apps and that includes games... at the end of the day not much different from Vista really
Of course, if you are all 'gamers', then Linux is out of the running, but if you are 'workers' (as well?) then Linux most certainly should not be left out of the picture. I have used a latest distro of this great operating system for close on 2 years, and have been able to do everything I would do on Windows, just as 'well' and in many cases, much better. I was driven to Linux because of the constant crashing (and BSD-ing) of XP, and since that day, I enjoyed, (on my old computer) a machine which never crashed, never froze, and worked much faster and more reliably. With my new (in December 2007) Vadim machine, I had Vista 64 bit on as the pre installed OS, and so far, it has worked very well indeed with this much maligned version of Windows (in my 'umble opinion, much better than XP) but that doesn't mean I will abandon Linux. The very latest distros will dual boot with Vista very well, (provided you install Linux second, and allow GRUB to control the MBR) and I intend to do that. So, any new Vadim customers, have your drive pre-partitioned, and try out a Linux distro, if you haven't already. When Windows dies on you (and it will) you'll still have a working computer..at least, for 'work'!
I'm using (on an older computer) the Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy) as my standard distro. This is Ubuntu, but with the KDE 3.5 desktop instead of Gnome. On my new Vadim computer, I shall wait for the final issue, in April, of Kubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) in a version using the new KDE 4.0 desktop. Pre- release images seem to show that this could give Vista Aero a run for its money...and all free! I've a drive partition ready and waiting. I've sampled a number of Linux flavours, and along with many, I've taken to the Debian based K/Ubuntu as being one of the best for computer literate, (but not expert) people coming to Linux, weary of Windows, (especially of XP) and looking for rock solid stability, and a range of easy to learn applications which directly replace many Windows programs. So far, my experience of Vista 64 bit has been a positive one, and personally, I've not many serious grumbles, but I have taken to Linux, and I wouldn't like to be without it. When Vista dies on me (as it will) Linux will be there, rock solid as ever!