Last week I took the plunge and upgraded the operating system on my HP2133 to Ubuntu 9.04. I did not notice much in the way of a difference afterwards. This is a good thing.

Installing Ubuntu 8.10 had been fairly painless, but getting video and wireless card drivers to work effectively took some time and research. However, the recent upgrade was merely the case of clicking a few buttons and waiting for files to download and install. This was far easier than any Windows upgrade I have experienced.

Perhaps this is the year that Linux finally gains acceptance from average computer users. Ubuntu is free, easy to install and straightforward to use. Why pay for a Windows license?

I still prefer working in the OS X environment, and there is no way I am ditching my Mac, but every day I am getting to like Ubuntu more and more.

I have just started using a NetBook – the HP2133 to be exact (the cheap Linux version). The 2133 is a mix of contradictions; the keyboard is sleek and professional looking – reminiscent of something that Apple might produce – but the processor is underpowered, the NetBook has an integrated microphone and camera but no way of running Skype on the default version of Linux (SUSE), it is cheap but has a crisp screen and Express Card slot.

On the whole I like the device. For my use it is near perfect. Something I can easily carry with me on the train and to meetings. The installed version of Linux will disappear. Ubuntu 8.10 will take the place of SUSE. From what I have read Ubuntu will afford me a slightly snappier and more expandable OS. I hope the transition is relatively painless.