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I’ve been using Ubuntu Linux on my main (and only) desktop machine for many years now, but sometimes you need a program that is windows-only.

Perhaps you, gentle reader have bought a computer, and were told that you could only get it with Vista. “Well, that’s the latest Microsoft operating system. I’ll bet it’s also the greatest!” you think. The sales clerk assures you this is so. The snake oil sits well on your Doc Martens, and you enjoy the sheen.

You get home. Your new computer is shiny. Light as a piece of paper, as fast as a thousand thoroughbreds. Or, at least it should be. “Heavens, why is my computer taking 5 minutes to boot?” you ask, quizzically at first, then as the frustration mounts, anger rears it’s ugly head. You want to strangle the young adolescent at the large electronics chain you so recently patronized. Soon, the anger is consumed, and you are left with the wispy hollow feeling of desperation. “Well, what about XP?” you think. Heart aflutter, you visit the manufacturer’s website, only to find out that XP is not supported on your brand new, shiny machine. “Noooo! How could they not make drivers for XP!” you wail. Far in the distance, other members of the windows tribe (though not of your pack) howl too.

This is just one scenario of many that might prompt you to investigate your OS options.

This month, I am going to document how you can liberate yourself from the crushing tyranny (or mild inconvenience) of Windows.

Vista will never molest your computer again.

Here is a screenshot of what you can look forward to!