+I've been using Linux, intermittently, for about 4 years. It all started when I was to investigate the usefulness of Linux as production servers (File, Web, Firewall, DHCP, DNS, etc,). I chose to not install X, but in stead try to learn more about Linux, using the [CLI] (aka 'The Dark Place') only. That was one of the toughest projects that I ever undertook, but one of the most rewarding. I decided that [Linux] was great for server applications, but that is was not quite mature enough to replace [MicrosoftWindows] as a desktop [GUI]. For a period after moving to NZ, there was a bit of a Linux drought for me, but soon after moving to [Hamilton], I discovered the [WLUG]. I picked up a copy of [Ubuntu] 5.04 at a meeting. I tried [Ubuntu] on a [Pentium] 233Mhz as a test. I was converted! IMHO the Linux GUI / Desktop OS has (finally) arrived. Linux has become accessible to the [LinuxNewbie]. Finally the [LinuxDistribution] looks, feels, functions, and even improves on commercial [OS]es. Simple to install, great to use, easy to customize and install new applications. There must be other [Distros|LinuxDistribution] that could compete, it's just that [Ubuntu] is such a well thought-out all-round product. Especially if for people who just want to get on with it, and don't really want to get to involved with tinkering with the technology to much. 

+* Custom-building an [OS] (i.e. [SysRescueCd|http://www.sysresccd.org/], [Overclockix|http://overclockix.octeams.com], [GeeXboX|http://www.geexbox.org/], [Smoothwall|http://www.smoothwall .org/])