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(this isn't very interesting, but it is a test of a blogging client)

I find Linux really usable. I do a lot of work in a command line over ssh on lot of machines.

I also use XenServer (which requires windows)

I also do development with other developers using Git that *has* to have windows command lines.

So, up till now I have used Windows and putty, but it has always felt a bit lame - putty rocks, but it isn't the same as having a rich command line from which to launch ssh.

Cygwin didn't cut it for me because it runs inside the lame, crippled and just terrible terrible windows command box (whatever it is called).

Finally, I now have a box worth something (16GB RAM, two fast hard disks) which means I can run Windows inside a VM on top of Linux.

Yeah.

So, which distro to use? I really liked the look of kde 4.6, but I am a debian dude and I will never go near kubuntu. Ever. OpenSuSE seems to be the on-to-goto for KDE, so sure, let's give it a go.

Wow! This rocks - super speedy, YaST is infinitely better than it was 5 years ago. Everything just works.

Until it doesn't. After a few hours/days I noticed a few things just stopped working - the KDE panel at the bottom stretched beyond the edge of the monitor (I have a large and small monitor and the small one is the primary - I think it got a bit confused). The network icon was the last to go - sure, the network still worked but I don't want to see a red X. OK - easy enough to remove. Then I tried to sort out using my plugin-headset as the primary input and output. Phew - after trying to set it in three different places (!) I managed to get it to play sounds, but skype still didn't want to take the mic. Eventually, it worked, but don't ask me how.

I am looking for a desktop that *just works*, and the only one I know off that does that is debian. Debian squeeze has just been released so it isn't too stale (KDE 4.4.5 + upstream patches), so off to download that.

Wow - it flies! Install the NVIDIA driver - and lock up. Total lock up. I haven't got time for this.

Finally - Ubuntu - OK, means Gnome, but I am not so sure that is a bad thing after my recent play with KDE.

Wow - everything just works. I mean *everything*. It prompted me that I needed some "naughty" firmware, click the relevant button and off it goes. Ubuntu Software Center is pretty neat as well.

So, in conclusion - I am shocked. Ubuntu - you are my saviour - who would have thought.