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Ubuntu is hands down the best OS available on the market.
I've used OSX and Windows 7, and the only reason I would ever use either is because there aren't enough applications for it. Ubuntu is more than capable of running modern apps even better than Windows 7 or OSX, but nobody bothers writing them because there isn't a big enough market. And because there aren't enough apps, not many people use Ubuntu. It goes in a loop and the only reason Ubuntu is gaining users is because it's so amazing - even without a giant solid base of commercial apps, it's still better than other OS's. Get it now, you won't regret it. And enable Compiz, it'll make Aero look like a baby's toy.
Depends how you define "best". I think Ubuntu has gotten to the point where it's perfectly acceptable for a novice computer user to use for simple things like browsing the web, checking email, etc. Likewise if you are a power-user you will have no problems with this OS. This already covers most of the user base in my opinion. However for the people that want a bit more out of their computer than their novice users, people who do a bit more tinkering but aren't quite "power users" quite yet, Ubuntu is still incredibly difficult to use. One needs to have the ability to search the web for tutorials, grasp some rather advanced concepts like user access ("sudo"), mounting, compiling to do most anything and you absolutely need to not be intimated by a black-and-white terminal screen. You and me would scoff at these requirements but let me tell you, the majority of people do not posses these skills. Take novice users for example, once they want to travel outside of their comfort zone (browsing, email, etc) they are present with a steep learning curve and some pretty daunting tasks.
Ubuntu is a great OS and is making strides for a linux desktop that haven't been made before but there is a reason why Windows and MacOSX (both of which I use in addition to Ubuntu) are around. They each serve a purpose and their respective users would probably define their OS of choice as "the best" for one reason or another. One needs to realize that they each have their uses, each have their target audience and each caters to different comfortability levels. To call Ubuntu "the best" is wrong and borderline naive, just as calling Windows or MacOSX that would be.
Ubuntu is a great OS and is making strides for a linux desktop that haven't been made before but there is a reason why Windows and MacOSX (both of which I use in addition to Ubuntu) are around. They each serve a purpose and their respective users would probably define their OS of choice as "the best" for one reason or another. One needs to realize that they each have their uses, each have their target audience and each caters to different comfortability levels. To call Ubuntu "the best" is wrong and borderline naive, just as calling Windows or MacOSX that would be.
I like this assessment of the OS. I really enjoy using it but like you said, I've had to brave the Terminal world a few times, and I'm not a Linux junky so I don't know the commands by heart. I love to just tinker with the OS and I could definitely see using it on my netbook as my daily OS (if I could get the wifi to work) but as an OS on my main/work machine I need something with a broader appeal that offers me the ability to use the Adobe and Autodesk suites of products. That's just something that Linux doesn't have at this point.
I personally have stopped installing linux on peoples laptops as it pisses me off how a perfectly OS like this can fuck things up by losing wireless cards, wifi points with no sensible way of reinstalling them. Not only that but even the OS GUI, I mean how in gods green earth can this just stop working??? Sorry I know a bit harsh but when you try to sell a laptop with linux on it and you have to go round to that persons house just to reinstall the whole dam thing it is my opinion beyond a joke.
However, I do love its practical and functional layout and the use of expose is my fave bit.
However, I do love its practical and functional layout and the use of expose is my fave bit.
