I don't think we really can compare the installation of Linux with Windows. For very few machines, Linux may install without any hassles, but for most of them, you get at least some sorta gothcas. I guess Windows XP will beat any Linux machine as far as Hardware compatiblity is concerned. Suse 8.0 did not setup my Philips PCVC690K USB webcam automatically. Although it is supported by Linux. Had to mess with it manually to get it to work. Still I get problems like usb_control/bulk_msg: timeout---although it works. My USB UMAX Astra 3400 scanner is will not work with Linux. My Canon MC-45 DV camcorder cannot be connected to SuSE for still picture downloads. My nVidia Gefore2 MX card works but when I go to Yast2 to "TEST" the configuration, my screen goes blank and won't return until I hit Esc. One thing that Linux beat Windows ME is that it automatically recognized and configured my Firewire card! WinME won't recognize it at all. Despite all that I still would vote in favor of SuSE (or any other Linux) when it comes to the choice for OS! Salman
I am yet to see a Windows installation going so smoothly.
Avi