Re-installing my trusty little Thinkpad Z60T is a process that I've been through a dozen times since I first fired this little beauty up in late 2005. It's had just about every flavour of operating system installed from Windows95 through Vista to various flavours of Linux (Ubuntu was definitely my favourite by the way)

After this morning nasty little virus interlude, and as it's just been a long time since I last installed anything exciting on it, I think it's time to try out the Windows Seven Beta... or maybe Ubuntu... or perhaps just plain old Windows... [insert hmmmmmm here]

So this is the process that going to happen this afternoon... probably...

Install Windows 7 - I've download the Beta from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

- or -

Install Ubuntu - from http://www.ubuntu.com - its neat and just simply works, but, I had some problems with skype last time so I'm not sure... that was about a year ago mind you. 

- or -

So having taken the decision to REPLACE Microsoft Office with something else it's a strangely worrying, yet cathartic time for me: I feel like I'm kicking a bad habit like smoking, drinking or chainsaw juggling - I know Office may not be the best thing for me, I know it costs me a lot of money but I like it and I've been using it for years.  It's in my comfort zone.

I definitely think its time for me to stand up and announce "my names Nick and I'm an addict"... it's time to go through techno-rehab.

This blog will be edited after succesful installation.

Short lists so far

• Thunderbird 3
• BAT
• Live Mail

NOTES ON WIP:

BAT - nope. just dont like it. very dated feel. clunky. not for me.