Every time a major new Ubuntu release is unleashed I download it and try it out. I've loaded Ubuntu onto an iBook G4, Toshiba Satellite, and most recently on an HP Pavilion. I would've left it on the Toshiba but I needed it to run XP and Office. The HP fell into my hands and I quickly loaded Ubuntu on it, but was frustrated but the difficulty of setting it up to use the Broadcom wireless chipset. I followed the instructions available all over the Web, but nothing seemed to work for me, and so I relegated it to the closet.
Intrepid Ibex led to the resurrection of the HP. I'd heard that Ubuntu was finally playing nice with Broadcom (or vice versa) and it's true. After installing Ubuntu 8.10 on the HP there was an icon at the top of the screen prompting me to download new drivers. I restarted the computer and the wireless card works! Finally!
I now unequivocally recommend Ubuntu to anyone looking for a free, open source alternative to Windows or Macintosh.
