Mark, suggest you must learn linux as it has many surprises too, especially if one is used to plug n play world. There are many articles on the net about learning linux.... You may also consider FreeBSD, it has a complete book and full instruction. Check out their site. I learnt much from Freebsd and still sometimes use it as a useful tool, along with windows too. Not all OS's have all the features that one maybe looking for. HTH's . :-)