Actually, I'd just like to point out it's not only not "obscenely difficult," but it's much EASIER than any windows installation. The installation of the OS itself is incredibly easy, especially relative to that of other OSs. The reason being mainly is that Ubuntu doesn't require extensive amount's of checking to make sure everything is legit (presenting itself in various forms such as serial codes, activation, agreeing to terms, etc.). Ubuntu does all the "next" clicking for you. It's the same way for programs. Because everything's open source, it doesn't have any of those "agreeing to terms and services" things and there is no "wizard" to run to install things and click "next" and choose what and where to install things. You don't even have to open a damn browser to download anything. Just got to applications, Add/Remove Programs, and you can search in the repositories for anything you want (the slightly, but not really, more complicated version of this being the synaptic package manager). Then all you do is double click what you want installed and click "install programs." That's all. When you think of it, Ubuntu really takes the Mac approach. That is, trying to make it as simple as possible. Installing programs (pre-compiled one's, that is) is completely idiot-proof. You can literally install Ubuntu and get all the programs you need in 10 minutes. No wise cracks about there not being any programs for Ubuntu There are not that many, but for pretty much every program I can find just as good if not a better substitute. If you have any reservations about this aspect, or can't find a good substitute, just ask There are some really, really good ones out there.