Programming with a button

Windows 7 isn't exactly out yet, but I have tested the Release Candidate (briefly). Along with it I have tried out Virtualbox and VMWare Player.
I have to say that I am definitely not happy with Virtualbox. Installing windows 7 was pretty painless, anything else wasn't. I am using the new Ubuntu as the host operating system and I have a very unconventional keyboard layout. However, even after switching that to the standard US layout on the host I wasn't even able to ender the Product Key. It just wouldn't accept any number for some reason, neither on the keyboard nor number pad. Luckily you can just click next and avoid the issue.
Then trying to install firefox failed, the sound never worked, and along with the keyboard problems that was enough for me.
VMWare Player did a much better job. No keyboard issues at all (other than having to use the standard US layout (or anything windows has to offer) for the installation). firefox install was quick and painless, The sound never worked either though.
From the little I have done with the new Windows I have to say that it looks much better than the XP I usually work with. It seems to be more stable and more responsive. If it was free I would definitely switch to Windows 7. Alas no such luck and so I won't.
as a side note, easyvmx.com allows you to create VMs that you can use with VMWare Player. It's not quite as comfortable as VMWare Workstation, but the difference definitely does not justify the huge price difference (for home use) in my opinion.

The new Ubuntu on the other hand is completely free. And it's stable. And it's responsive.
I have a 64 bit system, and I'm quite happy with the 64 bit version of Ubuntu. It definitely looks good, it definitely is great for work.
Even better because there is no flash plugin that actually works for a 64 bit Linux yet. Years after the first 64 bit desktop processors come out Adobe has finally released an alpha version. However, it doesn't work with everything yet, as is obviously to be expected with an alpha version.
Java on the other hand.... Sun actually managed to make a java plugin that works.... only slightly over 15 years after they developed their first 64 bit CPU. It's a bit late but it does work, so i will give them credit for that.