Winrot, Ubuntu and Peripherals

Chalk it up to proprietary software, or call it a case of Winrot: I've been running my XP system for two years now, and with the constant updates it is rapidly filling up my hard drive. I was able to attach a Canon LIDE-certified scanner, by downloading the driver, however installing my other peripherals has been more difficult.

XP registers my Epson 870 printer, and I have been able to download and install the driver. The paper cycles through, the print heads move, but nothing is printed on the paper. I also used the installer CD with worse luck. The driver on the CD fails with a "communication error." I would love to spend hours troubleshooting this printer, but I do not have the time.

The solution: I plugged it into by Ubuntu Linux machine which instantly recognized the printer, and installed the Gutenprint adapter for the 870. I immediately began printing in vivid color!

XP registers my digital camera, and I installed the accompanying software from the CD. Does it transfer photos? No. It fails every time, with no explanation. USB again, however my USB thumb drive and Zip drive work just fine!

The solution: I plugged the camera into Ubuntu, which pulled up a download interface and began copying my photos on command. No need to download or install software.

So why I am I still using XP? It's got support for Adobe Shockwave, but that may be about all it's got going for it. The user interface is good in XP, but I'm tired of the Genuine Advantage program updates. After hearing the horror stories, I shudder every time it installs and runs the Genuine Advantage tester. I know my product key is legit, and I have the original CD, but I feel like I am at the mercy of Microsoft. Of course Genuine Advantage needs to talk to Microsoft Corporation, open a port in the firewall immediately!