While my employer has standardized on Windows desktops, I use my linux laptop at work. It makes my job (Linux admin) 100x easier. My work desktop stays powered on for only one application, and I’m working on accessing it’s database through ODBC. I remote (vnc) into the desktop whenever I need that application (not every day), and I get much more work done.
Our stuff at work is pretty locked down — vnc is blocked.
I usually use ssh and run our scripts from the command line.
Linux is really the way you want to go if you have administration tasks. There are so many more free and useful Open source tools that you can use, built-in support for various programming languages, etc. The only thing you have to be careful about is where you get your tools. I trust sourceforge and a few other sites. I stay away from any portals based in Russia or China.
Win 7 is now our standard box at work. Some developers are getting i7 laptops, 8 gig of ram, and 256 gig SSD drives. Many are switching to Ubuntu as soon as they get their new computer. I use XP at work (older pc), and primarily macs at home...My next team is a Red Hat group...so I am about to embark on a learning curve...but looking forward to it.