Yes, but I think we've got what we need internally. (My boss seems to think that there is a company standard for this sort of thing...she is wrong. Nobody knows how to do it right, and everyone makes it up as they go along.)

I have an XP machine that I'm going to leave as is for now, since it's not connected to the Internet. But I've been curious about Linux. I don't do the hard core "Oh, I just reformat my hard drive every six months and reinstall everything from an image" type of tech stuff, but I'm not a novice. The Linux fantypes all gush about how easy it is to install, but I'm wondering what the consensus is on the frustration level I'm likely to run into if I try to convert.

Connie, Linux has gotten way easier to install than it was many years ago -- you don't need to be super hardcore.

I'd recommend starting with Ubuntu [link] or Mint [link] as both are designed for end users and not people who manage servers -- you can download a live CD of either or both, pop it into your current machine, and try it all out without breaking anything until you decide you want to install it; when you do, they'll walk you through the process. Installation is seriously much easier than Windows.

As for frustration level after that, that ultimately depends on what you need to do -- if you're mostly planning to use this computer for browsing and media that isn't Netflix, Linux does great. If you're tied to a lot of stuff that depends on one specific program (Word, Photoshop, etc...) you'll find that while there are word processors (or graphics programs, or etc), they aren't the same as what you're used to.

I use Notepad and Open Office for my text needs, but I'm more concerned about the genealogy program I've got, which is my primary use for the XP machine. But it could be something to check out. Thanks.

Has anyone played with the Amazon Fire TV? It looks to be a Roku/AppleTV competitor. My big question, can it stream from a network drive on my local network? Or is it stream from internet sources only?

You mean the box that Amazon just announced 3 hours ago?

Well, some folks test things or what not.

:: shrugs ::

OK, maybe not.

It depends on how open their Android is. My guess is that if it's really and truly a full featured Android box (albeit with the Amazon appstore)then network streaming will happen. I used to do it fine on my Kindle fire, though not with a remotely usable interface.

I need Vudu before I will strongly consider it OR I need Amazon to release a video player for standard Android. I am not going to use Kindle fires for any more of my tablet needs so they need to give me some option I can use on both to rent/buy movies to get my streaming box money.

You mean the box that Amazon just announced 3 hours ago?

If I still lived with Peter, I'm sure it would be in my house RIGHT NOW.

I'm thinking of getting a new monitor--it's to put in my living room so I can hook up my work or home laptop to it for more real estate. What's big and subtle? There should be a market (that I can afford) of furniture computer accessories.