The newest version of Ubuntu (9.10 code named Karmic Koala) releases today.  For those unfamiliar Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux designed for the average desktop user.  It is easy to install, easy to use and costs zero dollars.  If you really feel inclined you can actually ask the sponsoring company Conical to send you an installation CD for free.  The CD takes a while to get but it comes with a sheet of stickers that puts you in great shape to become a member of the Ubuntu Street Team.  Tag your windowz boxes yo.

There is plenty of lit online about how to install and what you can expect with Ubuntu.  

The Basics

Downloading Ubuntu - This is one of those great occasions where you can use bit torrent to lawfully download a piece of software.

 Installing alongside Windows - Not ready to commit 100%?  Just install alongside Windows and dual boot.

Intermediate

Upgrade from the previous version - Does the Windows XP to 7 upgrade chart make your eyes cross?  Put your wallet away folks this one is pro-bono.

Pick the best mirror for your upgrade - Be sure to download the upgrade from a close-by mirror for best results

Expert

Get a specialized version - Lots of different versions of Ubuntu exist (it is a Linux distribution after all).  Try the version made for the educational software market.

Free as in Speech not Free as in Beer

The psychology of open source software is interesting.  People are reluctant due to the simple fact that a price tag implies a better product then one without a price tag.  Chris Anderson describes this in his new book Free: The Future of a Radical Price with an analogy to the newspaper business.  Once the Village Voice was made available for free people saw it as the death of the paper and that it lost it's integrity.  Conversely The Onion was born free online and enjoys a decent reputation.  Here is the passage.