Feh - monitors are overrated. If you really know your software you don't need one. ;-)
Actually this sounds an awful lot like my Linux experiences in the early days (it's MUCH better now). Back then if you didn't happen to know the refresh rates of your monitors the dang thing would do pretty much what is described above. Then there was recompiling the kernel, a not altogether user-friendly experience. OS fun!
I love Kubuntu, BTW. To be honest Vista's kinda growing on me too, most unexpectedly. Always have liked OS/X. YMMV.
It’s a **crime** that the entire PC industry lets Microsoft get away with forced reboots to install software and patches.
Forced reboots should have been banned along with dial up modems years ago. They are legacy problems from poor memory control...which are the result of poor software design in the first place.
What amazes me is how many people are willing to spend their time working for free testing Microsoft software. The IRS should go after them for the imputed value of this labor.