After several years of using Windows I have finally made the step towards Linux by choosing Ubuntu. I can't say I hated or hate Windows but it was the time to do some cleaning and since Linux had been an attraction for me for a few years I decided to switch. Now I feel like a kid with a new toy. I want to find all the goodies, and explore all the features of this OS.
Here are my impressions after several hours of using Ubuntu:

#1. I like the fact that Ubuntu installs so quickly. I got stuck at first because I wanted to create the partitions manually without having a clue about the Linux file systems and types of partitions, but after I received help everything was over in ~15 minutes. Considering I also formatted 70GB of my hard drive I consider it a real performance.

#2. Another strong point are the drivers. They are installed with the OS so you don't have to spend time searching for them and installing those too.

#3. I also like how Gnome organizes the shortcuts in the task bar. For my organized spirit, the fact that you have Applications where you can find the different types of software that you need, Places where all the different partitions and folders can be found, and System which contains the settings related to the OS is a real treat.

#4. Having software already installed with the OS is another big bonus. Furthermore, new software is just a few clicks away. It feels really great to know I have several options to choose from without doing much work. It takes 15 minutes to install an OS with drivers and plenty of applications while the same package with XP took me +3 hours. I'm starting to think more and more that Linux or at least Ubuntu is for lazy people. :)

#5. I'm really curious about the terminal. I've already used it twice today, once to install the flash player and the second time to move some folders. My friend, coolgoose, says I have a fetish about it. Well, it's kinda sexy, but it's not just that. I've always heard that one of the strengths of Linux was it's terminal and I don't want to be the Linux user that just goes click-click. I want to explore it deeper. I want to be a h4xor. :D

The only difficulties I've had so far are not finding a keyboard shortcut for switching between keyboard layouts and not being able to listen to some music from the Internet. I hope to fix both soon enough.

To be continued...