Actually I am happy with most operating systems. I am good to use MacOS, Windows XP, Linux with either a KDE or GNOME Window Manager.
The issue I have is with Vista. Actually, if you do use it I am sure you'd agree that it has a pleasant interface. Not sure you will need this gadgets, but its still nice. The issue comes with some of its inherent problems. Resource consumption on even the most powerful PC or Laptop, stability issues, changing WLAN/LAN issues and what not. Even Microsoft agrees and is focusing on its Windows 7 agenda.
Now, I just upgrade to KDE4.2 on Kubuntu 8.10. Now this is a "beta" upgrade and not yet officially rolled out. I just wanted to try it. In the last few years using Kubuntu as my working operating system on my various company laptops. I came to trust Kubuntu and the community to figure our issues before I do.
Again, this is a beta upgrade and I had an issue with it, but some advice on the Ubuntu Forum addressed this fairly quickly.
I am very impressed with the window manager and the smoothness and speed of the user interface. It really is a next generation operating system. Note that the Window manager (also all you see in the graphicla user interface) is separated in Linux (and MacOS for that matter).
Both Linux and window manager changes in intervals. Due to rather stable integration standards, there are usually little issues and I never noted any in final versions (versus beta versions).
I ll post some screent shots when I have some time to do them and comment them. But just imagine its look very good, a vista'ish++ experience if you want so.
You can add Widgets to the menu bar and desktop and just everything is configurable - if you want it - even the "Start Menu" can be exchanged or edited.
As James Hein wrote recently in Bangkok Post. Microsoft needs to get it right with Windows 7. There are other competitors out there and they are fairly good. Try it out on one of your older PCs or Laptops and see for yourself.
Let me say this: Why pay for something, which offers less or in the best case only slightly more! Steve Balmer said in an interview 1-2 weeks ago: Top items keeping me awak: Oracle and Linux. The good thing is, its a challenge for Microsoft, Apple, RedHat, Novel, The Community and others to get better all the time. Competition can be a good thing!