That is a masterclass in eloquence when answering a question: thank you!

I know it's not the done thing to comment just to say thank you, but I've found your posts (answers and comments) extremely positive and helpful - both in the Q this post references, and also the Q&A I posted yesterday that has created a firestorm, and it's impressive that you are prepared to stand up to be counted. My personal view is that your approach to this site is a fantastic example of how to encourage positive contributions and you've consequnently made it a much better site.

Thank you - yes, that is very helpful!

Thanks both of you.

And yes, I'd love the NHS to be more linux-friendly ... to have a national organisation of that size tied in essentially to Windows is ridiculous.

Yes, absolutely ... I have and will continue to spread the word. What I have been most impressed and surprised by is that, with a bit of effort, actually Ubuntu does most things better. For example, my Brother printer / scanner - I was a bit frightened of not using their Windows app. Actually, having installed the drivers, the Ubuntu default document scanner is much better and simpler, as are most of the other open source apps I've installed. It has been a bit of effort but it's so much better than windows and I feel much more in control.

Thanks ... good suggestion but unfortunately I think it's probably beyond me - not that I think it's unachievable, I just think my wife would divorce me if I spent that much time on it!!

That's really helpful, thank you. I like the idea of a blog / publishing it. It just seems such an opportunity to share what I had to do.