I've used Linux for years. I started on Slackware and any applications had to be compiled using a Makefile include in the accompanying tar file. It usually worked, but if it didn't I had to roll my sleeves up and see what the problem was - usually missing libraries. Also, any kernel updates required rebuilding the kernel form scratch.
More recently my Linux requirements have been met with Xubuntu, a flavour of Ubuntu, which has transformed my Linux experience. Installing an application is as simple - sometimes more so - as installing an application on Windows. It really is ridiculously easy. Kernel updates are also handled seamlessly. The only reason I have for continuing to have Windows on a machine is for Photoshop (yes - I know Gimp is good, but it's still not up to PS). Jim
