Kubuntu do offer a *mid-ground* in the shape of a Kubuntu 9.04 KDE3 ‘REMIX’, which offers and easier transition for users who may find the jump from KDE3 TO KDE4 a touch daunting? Maybe give that a spin? The link is HERE, if you do so I’d be intrigued to know how you got on (although you’re probably browsing the Apple site as we speak, I’d fully understand if that’s the case)

However, let’s not get all gloomy and negative eh, I’d be interested to hear any opinions from the flip side? Anyone happy out there or have we all crashed and burned?

Just for info my main push is for plain Ubuntu on the desktop as used in an Enterprise I.T environment, when handled by I.T Professionals in a controlled environment it slips in a touch easier and the resulting savings in TCO can be simply amazing, if you haven’t seen my post already about the French National Police check it out, they’ve saved €50 Million in only a few years by adopting a policy for open source software on the desktop (Ubuntu & Open Office), it’s quite something, especially as they’ve only migrated about 20,000 if their 90,000 PC’s.

There is a good reason why Linux will not be mainstream. Even if we do not consider the many flavors of Linux available, the migration from one version to the next can be a jarring experience for any user.

In Kubuntu 9.04, I cannot maximize applications that I have minimized. I know there are in there somewhere but I will be damned if I could find out how to maximize the applications.

Besides, Kubuntu 9.04 is slow and clumsy.

Something is wrong when cryptic messages are provided in response to errors. I thought Linux is for human beings, not only for nerdy computer freaks. I would consider myself as an experienced PC user(albeit Windows). For me to have to struggle to understand the Kubuntu interface, from 8.04 to 9.04, speaks volumes about how poor implementation of new features has been carried out. I was happy with K 8.04 but K 9.04 just shattered my wish of sensible Linux progress.

There need to be a more systematic approach to the development of Linux before it can be adopted by ordinary people. And not such a huge jump in the user interface from one version to the next.

The user should not have to struggle to understand the interface. The pinnacle of engineering design is achieved when interfaces are intuitive and simple. Which is definitely what Linux, in any flavor, is not.

Looks like a very nice distro (ooh, get me using the Linux lingo) and I’m intrigued by the widgets. Is there a gMail one?

I’ve gone with the “standard” install of Eeebuntu 2.0 (as opposed to the NBR version) as it seems a bit more complete and flexible – it even has a nice OSX-style dock at the bottom. It too has some widget functionality, but I’m yet to play with that.

Of all the versions I’ve played with over the last few days, Eeebuntu is definitely the one to go for should you have an EeePC (or any other netbook for that matter). Everything works OOTB – no fannying with drivers. And I’ve followed your advice for getting Skype, which was the only app Eeebuntu was lacking in my opinion. Nice and easy to get it too.

I’m not (yet) going to give XP the boot (no pun intended) from my primary SSD just yet as I fear I’m too tied to the windows world for that major step, but Eeebuntu is now installed to the SD card rather than running live off a USB stick. Working well too – surprisingly nippy.

Anyhow, I shall be chronicling my Linux trials and tribulations in the coming days over at http://www.lowfidelity.co.uk but until then, thanks for all your help fella!