Fed up with Windows

I've mentioned before Lok bought a new laptop in January and its the one that I have switched to using (my old one has been sold on). Initially I had planned to put Linux on it, but the sound didn't work too well so I settled with Windows 7 beta, but lately I have become fed up with it and so am preparing to move over the some more Penguin flavoured.

Windows 7 has been doing the rounds for a while now and most people are pretty taken by it. Its fast, stable, looks good, doesn't hog the system as much a vista, etc. But I still just don't find it good enough. Oddly, for me, I just don't find it simple enough.

This is kinda hard to explain as Linux isn't exactly famous for its simplicity but the fact is I just find Windows 7 more complicated to configure the way I like it. For instance, the other day I was trying to change it to Japanese language version. This meant I had to play with system update, change keyboard settings, changes display language settings, change other obscure language settings, and it still wasn't quite right. So many of the options are buried too deeply in the GUI for me to find. The control panel itself is a mess of options and yet they don't let me change everything I change.

Another problem is that I can't set up my directories as I like them. The Library feature is great but it doesn't override the User file system enough. Grrr.....

And a problem I've had for ages is the sheer amount of stuff I put on to replace all the Windows bits (Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player). But I can't actually remove these parts without serious hacks. GRRRRRR.....

I don't know. It just pisses a geek like me off. So I'm done with it. I'm ready to go in search off roads less travelled. I'll let you know how it goes....