I have been using Linux since 1993 and chose to use it as my primary desktop in 2000.  At that time, I was running RedHat Linux 6.2.  I chose Linux at the time because it was a low-cost entry into a server-class operating system that I could use to run Lotus Domino for our fledgling business.  I tried installing TurboLinux and Slackware Linux without success, but was determined to make it work, so I purchased and installed RedHat 6.2.  As everything was being done on a tight budget, my Desktop/Server had an Intel 810 Integrated Video Chipset.  My first pain came when I realized that the needed AGPGART module was not compiled with the Kernel that shipped with RH6.2.  (Actually, I only realized that my new server would only run in text mode.  It took a week or so of research and trial and error before I was able to isolate the problem, install the development environment and kernel source, recompile ad nauseum, and finally build and load a module to provide a Gnome Desktop.)  If it weren't for the fact that I had more time than money, I would have abandoned all hope, declared Linux unusable and bought myself a copy of Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.

 Fast-Forward to April, 2007.  Canonical released Ubuntu 7.04 and the state of the Linux Desktop is much improved.  The Live CD allows you to play around with the distribution but it's not until you install that you experience the pleasure of this fine Operating System.

The installation is painless, even when installing alongside an existing Windows XP or Vista installation.  (If you have 256MB or less of RAM, you will need the alternate install CD.)  The first thing I noticed was that even during the installation, the machine was usable.  That's right, you can surf the web, play games, check email, etc.  Once the installation is complete, a reboot will present you with the GRUB bootloader screen where you can choose to boot into your new Ubuntu OS or if applicable, your pre-existing Windows OS. 

When you boot into Ubuntu, you will see a sparse desktop, devoid of Trial-Ware, Spyware and other nagging applications.  What you will have is the Firefox Web Browser, Evolution Email Client and the Open Office Suite, among others.  The Application ... Add/Remove Menu option will allow you to browse through a good variety of other available applications that are just a few clicks away.  For the full gamut of applications, System ... Administration ...  Synaptic Package Manager will provide more free software than you can shake a stick at.

When it comes to usability, the system really shines.  The pre-packaged applications are well behaved, stable and responsive.  Also, without the need for AntiVirus or AntiSpyware software, you should see a significant performance increase over your previous operating system.

As for file formats and plugins, Ubuntu can automagically seek and download the needed software to play MP3s, AAC, WMV, Quicktime and just about every other file I have thrown at it.

Hardware compatibility is excellent.  Wireless cards, video cards, network cards . . .  they all seem to work fine.

Finally, to keep it all running smoothly, the system will notify you when updates are available and install them on demand.