Linux vs. Vista

Not fair... you're right, Microsoft doesn't stand a chance. I picked up a new home PC (my pc died on July 4th with a light and smoke show that morning) recently from Tiger Direct. I ordered off their site during the black Friday sales - Gateway GT5408 refurbished Desktop PC for $329. In actuallity, I received a refurbished 5412 for the same price and a much greater value. Anyway, the PC came with Vista Home Premium. Since receiving the PC about 5 days after ordering, I've been speding some time trying to get Vista running just so, and working to get all the files in their proper places. In Windows this is no small feat... yes, Windows is easy to install - especially when pre-installed on the PC you purchase. But configuring any version of Windows to access shared files on another computer, setup printer, connect to Internet etc. can become a lot of work quick. On top of that the number of apps you have to go find and keeping track of license keys etc., what a pain.
At the same time, I've been installing, removing and installing various flavors of Linux on an old Toshiba Satellite laptop (Celeron 1.2GHz, 512MB RAM). I'm in no way a Linux guru but I am very familiar with technology and have 20 plus years with the Windows Operating Systems. Right now while writing this I'm getting Xandros' desktop version setup on my laptop. I've had PCLinuxOS 2004 and 2007 installed, as well as Open SuSe 10.x, Linux Mint 4 and now Xandros. I suppose the biggest difference is that for the most part no cost is involved outside of my time. I have the opportunity to try out these various offerings on the Linux front - where Microsoft wants me to pay for every version of Windows I may install. Another difference - I've installed and tried out all of these various versions on my laptop in less time than it takes to setup Windows once.
Something that maybe suprising - I've had very little problem with any of my hardware. Except for Linux Mint which I couldn't get my Wireless PCMCIA card working - I've had no more trouble than what it takes in WinXP with my laptop.