After several years of dabbling in Linux and a few months of server administration, I’ve decided to make the switch and use Linux, specifically Gentoo, on my primary machine. Although I do still have my Windows XP x64 install, it will be used only when necessary. Based on my experiences running Gentoo as a server, I think the transition will not be as harsh as some changes I’ve made recently (i.e. Dvorak, and still using it). Since I already have a familiarity with Gentoo, the main issue will be learning alternative programs for what I used on Windows. My current frustration is finding a music player that compares to iTunes. Rhythmbox works, but lacks some of the features that I liked about iTunes, like automatically organizing my music library. I’ve heard good things about Banshee but have not tried it yet.
In terms of games, two excellent games run natively in Linux: Unreal Tournament 2004 and Quake 4. With Gentoo, installing them was easy as pie, just emerge ut2004 and emerge quake4-bin and follow the instructions. I might try to install Counter Strike Source under WINE, but that will be a project for a later date.
Try Amarok, it’s a KDE music player, and it may be a little overwhelming at first (like most KDE apps :), but it’s great! The dynamic playlists are really powerful, and it’s ‘suggested song’ and ‘favourite song’ rolling playlists are great! Give it a try!
I haven’t tried Amarok yet, but I have been using Exaile, which is very similar. So far, I think that Exaile (http://www.exaile.org/)is the best player that I have tried, but to be honest, I am eagerly awaiting a production release of Songbird (http://www.songbirdnest.com/). I may try one of the development snapshots and give it a try, as it seems to be exactly what I’m looking for.