So DELL is going to sell selected laptop computers with Ubuntu as a preinstalled option. WIRED ("Is Ubuntu Linux for You, too?") have a detailed article setting out the differences that a new user of Ubuntu may face in comparison to accepting a Windows operating system.

Wired's approach is very even-handed giving a reasonably accurate picture comparing what one would expect an operating system to provide and exactly what Ubuntu out of the box will provide.

Although, it must be made clear that DELL will add to Ubuntu to make its own supplied hardware work; for example, DELL will install the drivers necessary to make its WiFi Network card to work out of the box. So what you get is a super-friendly way to get Ubuntu up and working.

If you are buying a notebook (laptop) and you do want to save on not having to pay a Microsoft tax, then buying a Ubuntu installed laptop from DELL is the thing to do.