I install Ubuntu after a new install of Windows. That way my dual boot works properly, and I have two fresh OS's to work with. Then I leave the windows one alone until I absolutely need it.
shortlist for windows

firefox
avast
windows defender
VLC
MS Office

That crazy monkey with the hammer.

Thanks for the article David, I enjoyed reading it. Most of your points were dead on. The chart is a good guide, but I personally don't think it works for me. I have a 30" CRT, and I can really tell the difference between 480p and 1080i content at a distance of about 10 feet. I am surprised that I have yet to see an HDTV that rivals my picture quality. It may weigh a ton, but it has the best contrast ratio, and color available. Maybe that will change if I ever see a 1080p plasma running.

Considering we are still beta testing their DVR software, The box only holds about 20 hours of HD content, and the ESATA port is disabled; I don't see why they think they need to charge more for the box rental.

All that said, I got a notice in the mail, telling me that the rate was going up, but as an existing customer, not to worry about it. My guess is, that the rate will go up for existing customers at their annual renewal time.

I played through this game as a kid. It was a pretty solid game and a lot of fun. Most of the ideas and concepts were borrowed, and the bible verses were a little annoying, but overall it was worth the time. The other Wisdom Tree games were terrible.

That said, as someone with fond memories of this ridiculously bible themed game...I wouldn't buy it on the virtual console, so Nintendo can forgive and forget for all I care :).

This looks interesting, but for me, the Live CD was enough to sell the whole OS. I had a spare hard drive from an old computer, and dropped that into my case. Ubuntu had no problem formating the spare drive and installing. It automatically sets up a dual boot system for you, and nothing is lost or changed on you windows drive. After a few months with Ubuntu, I find that I rarely log into windows. Its still nice to have both when I need it.

With VLC, you can do this in XP too. It works well.

Beryl is so much more than the cube. I will stick with it in Ubuntu.

I wouldn't have used itunes for this (but if apple had tried, I am sure a lot of people would use it). Yahoo Music Unlimted is a great service that I do use.

I have had Fios Internet and TV for a little while now. It is amazingly fast, and the picture quality of the HD broadcasts are noticeably better than commcast. The internet really opens up. Its not perfect, as BlueOrder pointed out, the DVR needs an update, and there is no HD on demand.

The installation is a little messy as well, as they have to bury a new cable, and install a battery backup (for the phone) inside your house.

Lifetime Movies is a new stretch-0-vision upcoverting channel. It shouldn't be considered HD. For HD movies, stick with HDnet