i have tried and used all of those distros with the exception of solaris. i stand firm with my statment that ubuntu is idiot-proof. i agree that linux has a steep learning curve, im only trying to say is that with this particular disto, its not bad at all. do you know why most windows users hate macs... cause its different. thats all. windows to mac is also a big learning curve, but when ppl sit back and say "hey, this just aint windows" and let go, they are fine. linux is not windows, linux is not better than windows. the PRINCIPAL behind linux IS better than windows. . you yell at ppl for stealing windows but when an open source alternative is offered. you shoot it down. it was just a worry-free ALTERNATIVE to windows.