... and XandrOS ...
I actually own Xandros and I definitely like this Ubuntu release (7.10) better. Mandriva I am not familiar with, but I have used just about every other reasonably well-known Linux distribution aimed at a desktop environment. I even used SuSE Linux exclusively for at least a year, and as my primary OS for several more. I think the current Ubuntu is the best I've seen. This is coming from someone who uninstalled his last Ubuntu distribution with disgust and waited for more than a major version to go by before trying it, again.
I guess the danger is that a popular desktop Linux will bloat its way up to a Windows-style monstrosity, but for now, I am just really happy to see a flashy, full-featured, hands-off-everything-installs-itself Linux making headway.
Edit: I just realized I might have sounded a little bit down on Xandros. I'm editing to add that Xandros is a quality product, I just think the latest Ubuntu is significantly better.
Edit the second: Where the hell does that "n" keep coming from? Ubuntu. Ubuntu. Ubuntu. Ubuntu.
SpaceAce