Current versions of Linux (Ubuntu 11.04 etc) use 2.6.37, though.
All integrated sound solutions have open source drivers.
The only problem spot is graphics drivers.
You're more likely to run into device driver problems upgrading to Vista/7 than you are upgrading to Linux. (although there the problems are older printers and other peripherals that significantly predate Vista).
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All major wifi chips now have open source drivers, so wifi will work out of the box for everybody as of 2.6.39: http://www.h-online.com/open/features/Kernel-comment-Perseve...
Current versions of Linux (Ubuntu 11.04 etc) use 2.6.37, though.
All integrated sound solutions have open source drivers.
The only problem spot is graphics drivers.
You're more likely to run into device driver problems upgrading to Vista/7 than you are upgrading to Linux. (although there the problems are older printers and other peripherals that significantly predate Vista).
ok good to know. I'll give it another shot then sometime soon.