Ubuntu 11.10 is IMO definitely a viable alternative to Windows

[Ben Stones]

So a few days ago I decided to install Ubuntu 11.10 on my desktop PC, and it is a pretty awesome release of Ubuntu. Not everyone likes the standard Unity interface; while it is easy to install the GNOME Shell to replace the Unity interface, I don't think it's too bad albeit it is a bit restrictive. You can't move the Launcher to the right or change the colour of the dock itself. I do think Canonical are taking some cues from Apple's operating system; okay I don't mean the dock itself but subtle things that I remind me of Mac OS X. For example in the Dash (the first icon on the Launcher bar) if you scroll to the bottom while in the Dash it does that bouncing effect that is found on iOS, OS X and of course Android too. And other things that I can't remember about. Not that these are bad things - it's an awesome release of Ubuntu. The customisability of the Launcher and the top bar needs to be improved drastically to be honest; it's a bit too limiting especially for hardcore Ubuntu users.

While some long-term Ubuntu users have probably switched to Linux Mint primarily because of the Unity interface in Ubuntu, there are a lot of people that like the direction Canonical is going in. Which is a more desktop- and consumer-oriented operating system yet being adequate to use as a full-blown Linux desktop for power users and those that use the Terminal a lot.

I don't know whether this is an underlying thing (i.e. not specific to Ubuntu/Debian) or whether specific to Ubuntu or Debian (let me know), but since Ubuntu 9.04, the compatibility with wireless and other hardware has drastically improved too.

Definitely would recommend people giving Ubuntu 11.10 a go. It's pretty nice.

[TimFalay]

Cannot deny it. But Fedora has its perks too if you ask me.

[DPS Computing]

I'd still go for Mac OSX . Although I have got to say I do like Ubuntu and have used it a lot in the past .

[Ben Stones]

I'd still go for Mac OSX . Although I have got to say I do like Ubuntu and have used it a lot in the past .

Wow. Our first Apple Fanboy direct on eUKhost forums!

Just kidding . I agree, Mac OS X is great, but Ubuntu has definitely improved of recent .

[DPS Computing]

Wow. Our first Apple Fanboy direct on eUKhost forums!

Just kidding . I agree, Mac OS X is great, but Ubuntu has definitely improved of recent .

Lol. Yes Ubuntu is definitely good. However there are places for other OSes (and sometimes needs for them!) so I insist on maintaining at least one windows, linux and OS X systems .