Well, if there is ever going to be a intelligent robot in my home, it better not be running Windows. I can see it now rummaging through my CD/DVD collection requiring proof that I purchased each one and then threatening throw chairs at me if I don't produce the receipts. If there was ever a case for Linux, this is it.

Is there an open source alternative?

Wish I had mod points. Someone mod causality (777677) up.

Meet the new boss; same as the old boss -- The Who

Ah, an advanced form of life using Linux.

The thing I really like about Dropbox on my Linux system is the ability to create symbolic links in my Dropbox folder. This way I can keep all my folders and files where I want them and just create symbolic links to what I want backed up. I am only using the 2GB free offering at the moment, but I've been so happy with it I am likely to shell out the bucks for the paid version and backup my entire hard drive.

Other things I have tried: I still use rsync to backup to a separate hard drive, but that wouldn't help if the house were to burn down. I tried JungleDisk and did not like it. I also use the Amazon S3 service --very cheap-- using the Firefox S3 Organizer plug in. But Dropbox is more simple to use.

"My belief, as an American, is that if I have to start understanding the metric system, then the terrorists have won." -- Dave Barry

Microsoft didn't have to worry in the past about the Linux desktop because it was too much work to get set up and maintain. That has changed. I don't think the Linux desktop experience is quite there yet, but it is getting really close. In some ways it is already much better than Windows, and where it is not, it is catching up. What Microsoft fears is that at some point Ubuntu and > usage will reach a critical mass and explode on to the desktop scene. For this to hurt Microsoft, it doesn't mean Linux has to put them out of the market place. If Linux gained only 20% of the desktop market share, it would hurt, and probably hurt their pride the most. It may not happen, but Microsoft would have to be stupid to ignore the possibility. And quite frankly, I really don't know what Microsoft can do to stop it. They will try of course, and even resort to some of the dirty tricks they used in the past. But FOSS has no center to aim at. It's apparent weakness is its strength. It's a bunch of smart people all over the world doing what they like to do. I don't hate Microsoft and I don't want them to go out of business, but this is going to be fun to watch. I am hoping for the success of Linux on the desktop. This will be good even for the most dedicated MS or Apple fanboy. Real competition in the marketplace is good for everyone concerned. It will make whatever you choose to use better.