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.