I used to mutter that under my breath when I would take time to try and setup/use/learn the Linux desktops like Gnome or KDE.
No longer. Yes...it is not exactly like Windows. That does not mean it is hard, klugey or tough to learn.
I use Linux Mint 6.0 on a dual boot with my WinXP. More often than not, I boot to Linux. The desktop is beautiful and the Software Manager is sublime. It allows you to browse for new software with descriptions, user reviews and screenshots.
Installation is easier than Windows....you just click on ...wait for it...."Install".
And if you don't like it, uninstallation is easier than Windows. Just click on...you guessed it..."Uninstall".
I'm currently getting ready to set up either Crossover Linux to run Windows Apps or setup a virtual Windows XP machine within Linux Mint using VMWare...or maybe even "VirtualBox" from Sun. Haven't decided yet. But once I do and get it all running smooth and backed up...I'm done with Microsoft for good. Should be done about the time XP finally gets left twisting in the wind by MS.
The advantage Mint has over Ubuntu is that all of the media stuff works on the first run. Ubuntu wasn't hard to set up for me because I've been messing around with Linux since Red Hat 5 but Mint does just about everything I want with no work. Adding ManDVD is about all I had to do.