I am really intrigued by open source such as linux. I'm not a computer science trained person, however, so I haven't taken the plunge. I only have so much time to read Linux for Dummies, as I also want to ride my bike and play (oh yeah, and run a small business in two states). I have learned alot since becoming the everything person for my business. I AM the IT department and webmaster, and although my needs are pretty basic at this time, the learning curve is huge for a person like me.

I have a Dell Latitude D830 that I got last fall. It runs XP professional. I like it alot, although it is heavier than I would like. I do have to use MS Office because openoffice only works if you are online, and there are alot of times when I'm not online and still need to work on projects.

I wouldn't mind going Mac (again, that's all I used from 1984 until 1997), but I run AutoCAD and have to be in sync with my two other coworkers (in another state). One does use Mac, and there are still issues with compatibility, although it's getting better. I love the look of those wafer-thin Mac ibooks, and basic niggling things that Dell just doesn't offer, like backlit keyboards.

Kat_h, got any advice for someone who really wants to go open source but just doesn't know where to begin?