I wouldn't worry too much about support for Linux, with the exception of having someone experienced on hand for the initial installation/configuration process.
You have long-time Linux-user friends, and linuxquestions.org has lots of answers. Also, if you go with Debian (which is hands-down my recommendation), I can vouch for the fact that the debian-user mailing list provides top-notch tech support... many times better than you'll get from any proprietary software vendor I've ever heard of.
And yeah... XP is kind of ass... this WGA spyware bullshit is just the beginning, and Vista (if it ever makes it to market) is going to be a bloated hulk that makes a Hummer look sleek and efficient. And that's before you get into the fact that DRM and spyware will be built-in system-level features. I don't want a product whose design goals include preventing me from doing what I want with my computer (including preventing lots of legal things) and reporting my activity to somebody without my permission.
no subject
You have long-time Linux-user friends, and linuxquestions.org has lots of answers. Also, if you go with Debian (which is hands-down my recommendation), I can vouch for the fact that the debian-user mailing list provides top-notch tech support... many times better than you'll get from any proprietary software vendor I've ever heard of.
And yeah... XP is kind of ass... this WGA spyware bullshit is just the beginning, and Vista (if it ever makes it to market) is going to be a bloated hulk that makes a Hummer look sleek and efficient. And that's before you get into the fact that DRM and spyware will be built-in system-level features. I don't want a product whose design goals include preventing me from doing what I want with my computer (including preventing lots of legal things) and reporting my activity to somebody without my permission.