No More Windows! Try the new Ubuntu 8.10 Linux OS
"Ubuntu" is an ancient African word that means "humanity to others".
A default Ubuntu Desktop with some apps open
That's quite the name to live up to if you are a linux distro. Luckily enough, Ubuntu does live up to it's name. It is one of the most user-friendly free open-source operating systems available, and the amount of computer users that run Ubuntu proves it. Even large computer manufacturers such as Dell and Acer offer Ubuntu pre-loaded as an alternative to Windows when you order from them, proving that these companies have acknowledged that Ubuntu is a linux distro that is easy enough for the "common man" to operate.
Sadly, most people are under the impression that the only way to have a usable computer is to fork over the dough for a copy of Microsoft Windows and pay for the software. Few are even aware that there are other operating systems available, and thus by default choose Windows. Ubuntu offers all the functionality of Windows, even including support or alternative programs (still free!) for the most common tasks such as web surfing, image editing, word processing, music and video playback / editing, and more!
As of this writing, the latest version of Ubuntu, version 8.10 will be released in just under 11 days. It includes numerous new features such tabbed Nautilus (the file browser) windows, encrypted private directories, improved guest sessions (to lend your laptop to someone to check your email, for example), updated networking and Samba support, and lots of added hardware support.
If you have never used a different operating system, you definitely owe yourself to try Ubuntu, since you may be pleasantly surprised. You can download what is called a "Live CD", which you can boot from into Ubuntu so you can try it without making any changes to your computer. Take the CD out, and the computer loads Windows as it always has. Remember, the download is completely free, the operating system is free, and the software is free! No reason not to try it out!
If you want to get the best of both worlds, you can also dual-boot your computer, so that when you turn on the computer a screen will appear asking whether you want to load into Ubuntu or Windows (Ubuntu for everyday tasks, Windows for gaming!).
Ubuntu 8.10 is currently in Beta until November 1st, 2008. I recommend you use the 8.04 version if you are downloading it before it comes out of Beta.
For more information and to download the Live CD, visit the Ubuntu Official Website and see what you have been missing!
By the way, did I forget to mention that everything Ubuntu is FREE?
Update: ShipIt is now taking pre-orders for properly pressed CD images of the LiveCD. As with everything Ubuntu, they will actually you a copy absolutely free but it takes about two to three weeks. If you want to order a free copy, visit this link! Thanks to douglas1991 for the tip!