This is my first time, EVER, running a Linux OS. And I'm definitely staying with Linux. I'm running it off the Live CD right now and it runs 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 times faster than windows does. It hasn't froze once. I'm still getting used to the enviroment and figuring out how things work. But i'm DEFINITELY staying with linux. I can't beleive Linux isn't as popular, it's just so much better. This is sooooooooooo worth missing out on a few windows games. I just have too much Frustrating moments with windows. Ubuntu 7.04 all the way.
I'm now dual booting Linux and windows. If I wasn't into PC gaming/image editing/sound editing, I would totally just stick with ubuntu all together, but it's def a great FREE os. I also love how much synaptic package manager makes your linux life easier. In terms of simplicity, Windows is still far more simpler for the average ( and lazy) person. Its a good idea to run the live cd and also learn a thing or two about compiling source code before doing a full install.