[krb]

I can just see “Mom & Pop” building the kernel for every machine they own.

You don't have to do that. With distros like Ubuntu it installs just like Windows or OSX, with the kernel already built.

[CAluvdubya]

My DH just bought a new laptop from New Egg...a 13" for only about $300 and got Ubuntu free.

I'm still skeptical about it being compatible with all things Windows but I'm not the techie in the family :) and you can't beat the price!