I haven't tried the Google desktop, only hear rumors about it. I am too happy with Ubuntu now to worry much. The support, security, and customization level make it perfect for my needs both everyday and programming. The Java support in Ubuntu is actually bigger than any other as well, so I went off C++ completely as well. One thing I like about Gnome/KDE is that everything looks just how you want it to, while in Windoze the program has to be 'integrated' into the skinning interface or it looks off. I will look at the Google one, though I don't think they need to worry about it for Linux since again Ubuntu is making it easy to add Google tools. Even Firefox is loving Ubuntu, all of their apps have been compiled for Ubuntu specific standards and they integrate with Google as well. I use Thunderbird for all my Google mail, and Pidgeon for Google Talk, Pidgeon will work with all the messengers. I am a big fan of Google now, their programmers are much better than Yahoo or MS, so I wouldn't be amazed if they can overcome Windoze like they did the net.