The rap on Linux — at least among Windows users — has long been that the alternative OS is too difficult to install and use. Scott Spanbauer's Jan. 8, 2009, Best Software column (paid content) described the free Wubi installer utility for the Ubuntu distribution of Linux. Reader Howard Harner points out that you can also get a free copy of Ubuntu on disc, if you're patient. * "I'm glad to see your discussion of Ubuntu, since I have been using it as an alternative to uSoft [Microsoft Windows] for years. For older computers, cruising the Web, and copying CDs, it's great. "You didn't mention that one can get a free disk from Ubuntu that contains two versions of the OS — a full-install copy and a version that will run on top of Windows — by going to their Web site and filling out the short application form. It usually takes less than two weeks to receive it." In fact, many Windows users choose to run Ubuntu off the CD rather than to create a hard-drive partition for the OS. Of course, you can burn your own Ubuntu CD. You'll find the download and instructions for creating your disc on the Ubuntu Community Documentation page.