Excellent post, thank you. This is why I turned my primary laptop into Linux. I have no problem with the features and functionality of Windows (well, Vista can be annoying) but as you said it takes the fun out. Even if your PC is fully protected, I just hate the endless amount of time is spends booting up all the crap-ware, and the resulting endless updates that interfere with my concentration when I am working and the little icons pop-up.
Ubuntu would be the best if there was an MS Office for Linux suite.
OpenOffice word works just fine for me.
OpenOffice spreadsheet is ok for simple spreadsheets, but not for anything complex that needs to be shared with people.
Open Office presentation blows chunks.
Does anyone know if Office will run well on this WINE thing I have been reading about?