Terrier's experience isn't anything like mine - it's Ubuntu that just works, while Microsloth takes hours and hours and countless downloads of drivers and hundreds of pointless reboots. The system vendors hide all this for you when you get a new PC - but try re-installing if you don't believe me.

Anyway, you can use the Ubuntu CD to install Linux in a dual-boot setup for those who still need the Windoze-only apps from time to time.