I would have one major problem with being "forced by circumstance" to switch to Linux. and that would be with gaming. I realize that there are programs (whose names I can't think of right now) that enable some MS software to run under Linux, but it's not perfect. Some stuff still doesn't run, and as far as I know, a lot of games don't. Especially the ones that use DirectX. Which, regardless if you like it or not, is pretty widely used by game developers. If Linux could run MS programs better, I would give it a shot. I hear nothing but rave reviews about Linux from my friends that use it. but at home, I game. 75-80% of my time spent on my PC at home is gaming. and if I would switch to linux, and could only run 1 out of every 5 games, I would be pissed. so, until it runs MS software better, I'm sticking with Windows.

sorry, end rant.