moving to linux

I've been clearing off space from my laptop recently so i can install ubuntu as a dual boot, with a view to using it as my primary os/ home development environment. I'm ready to do it now i just need to pluck up the courage to do it. (historically i've always managed to f-up any sort of os/hardware changes)

I code in c#.net mainly, but i get the impression that the mono project is a bit too beta for me to consider coding with it (although i'd miss all the things you get for free with asp.net)


so if/when i get ubuntu installed i think i'll experiment with java (similar syntax and i used it for a couple of ou courses i did). i've found this site

http://www.javapassion.com/j2ee/

which seems to provide a nice ease into j2ee.

google apps for a domain

signed up to this yesterday during a bored period. the suite is v basic at the moment, email/calendering/google talk and thats about it. but it did get me thinking.

Could a start up really reduce its start up costs using stuff like this?

no need for a mailserver, change your mx record so that you use gmail, use google docs and spreadsheets.

what about other communication mediums? don't want to pay for a phone system? use skypein/skypeout, costs money, but not much and the bonus is, you phone system goes where you go (as long as there is inet access).

For a micro isv or startup these tools do offer as near to zero cost as you could hope to get.