John, I run one of each in my shack - Windows XP for VHF APRS AGWPE/UI-View and Linux for HF fldigi. That way I get to run the best-of-breed software on each, and get to make use of my available sound cards and serial ports. The linux box is very quiet RF-wise on HF. I install my debian systems from a Knoppix live cd (use 3.9 - it is good) and then update the machine over my ADSL - I can have a box built and fully patched in about an hour - at which time it is ready for years of service with virtually zero maintenance. I think Harv's hamshack is based on knoppix - I expect that a hard disk install of that would be possible also.
I am a believer in the philosophy of doing the simplest thing that will work. Sometimes, Windows is the simplest thing - and sometimes it is linux. Why not have both? Hook them all up with Ethernet and Wifi and you can have a home network that puts most small-business computer systems to shame. hi hi. 73 de Brett VK2TMG
