[cadmium]

I'm a rare Windows user indeed and a software developer so I know what pain is. It's great that you love using Ubuntu. I've tried Linux over the years and even as a secondary box for a few months, but it's never impressed me as superior to Windows in any special way. It has it's strengths and weaknesses just like anything else. But I won't knock you (i was kidding before btw, if you couldn't tell) for liking it.

As far as Windows goes, I waited until this year to take the Vista (and now Windows 7) plunge. I'm currently running one or the other on my work, home, and wife's computer and they've been by far the least trouble I've ever had dealing with an OS. Installation was only a few clicks and Windows Update pretty much takes care of it's self unless you are in a particular hurry.

As far as including or excluding virus software, Microsoft doesn't include it probably for the same reason that Unbuntu doesn't... it's not really necessary. If you keep your computer up to date and don't click on shady porn links you'll probably never get a virus.

Antivirus software is a placebo at best and false security at worst. I haven't run it in years. I do occasionaly do a quick scan with a free app or online like houecall, but I haven't picked anything up in nearly a decade. Of course, I'm probably more cautious than the average user, but you most people that get viruses get them through their own actions rather than lack of anti-virus.

Anyway, back on topic. Windows 7 is really more like Vista sp2, but it still has made some nice improvements.