John,

>Windows will always win until something better and more compelling comes down the pike.. The barriers of entry into the OS market place are very high. If something better and more compelling comes along - of course I would look at it.

Exactly. All I am saying is that having some HP/UX experience several years ago doesn't really tell you where Linux is on the desktop and/or server today. Linux is running businesses and homes (like mine), doing things that would either be very expensive or lacking in functionality as far as Windows goes... Luckily, I don't have to do a lot of VFP work at home, as Linux wouldn't quite cut it... *smile*

Linux is tricky because it is still "growing-up"...the only way to stay on top of it is to install a recent distro (SuSE is a good call because it has 6 or 7 CDs full of OS modules and applications) every year or so and see how far it has come along. This is an onerous task, but the only way to really know what Linux has to offer. I guess if applications are all that concern you, then installing Linux might not really be necessary...just keep up on available apps and see what people have to say about them.

Have a good week!

JoeK