I switched to using Ubuntu 9.04 for about a month. It worked great except for what I really needed it for. A solid money managing app and audio/video production. Also, I struggled to find a online back-up service that didn't cost more than Mozy or Carbonite. So I had to switch back to M$ unfortunately.

As I was told once, would you rather have 10% of the profits or 100%. If you feel motivated to strike out on your own then go for it. A CEO always has their own agenda. We always want to feel important, but we can always be replaced. Maybe you are great at what you do, but someone new will be motivated for another 3 years. That can be better than an employee that is bored and working at half their potential.

I use 3 different OS Platforms everyday. Mac osX, Windows XP/Vista/7 and Ubuntu. So understand that this question does not come from a one sided user. Why hasn't Apple been slapped with the same anti-trust suit for the software that comes on their machines. I had to use Safari, Reader, or Mail. I was not given a choice when I booted up my Mac Pro. I can always download something else. What am missing? It's very convoluted to me.