One of the first things I noticed after using Ubuntu for a while was how snappy the OS is, especially compared to Windows Vista (which in my experience can't even keep up with its predecessor XP). Then I poked around the Linux forums a little bit and found out that I could work even faster in Ubuntu by changing some default settings, and using a few of the OS's unique keyboard shortcuts.

Yesterday, Microsoft announced DreamSpark – an ironic name, since it actually lays bare Microsoft's worst nightmare: that more and more of tomorrow's programmers are growing up using free software for their studies, which means that as they move out into the world, there will be less and less demand for Microsoft's tools, and even fewer programs written for its platforms.

Let's be absolutely clear about this: it's difficult to recall a Microsoft product that has been so universally disliked - but MS is determined that you - yes, you - will use it whether you like it or not. But - perversely - we opine that Vista is the best thing to happen to the PC industry.

I've been putting a fair amount of time into getting PulseAudio integrated cleanly on Mandriva of late and it's going pretty well.

Ubuntu is an open-source operating system which aims for ease of use. The BBC's George Wright and Ubuntu Community Manager Jono Bacon offered to install the OS on a laptop for Ashley to take home and experiment with.

It starts at $499. Good job Dell. We are so proud of you.

A recent phenomenon as of late that has appeared on the Linux scene is what I like to call "designer Linux distributions." These are distributions custom tailored to a specific piece of hardware. These have existed in one form or another for years, but have only recently begun to become a problem.

It’s the start of the Ubuntu Developer Week! So what’s going on later today?