I updated my home computer to the latest and greatest version of Ubuntu Linux recently. I had a couple of unsolvable issues with the previous release, Dapper Drake.
The most annoying problem occurred after the first bootup every day. I could not open any additional application windows after the first two. After that I could click all day but nothing else would open until I rebooted, even though everything already open was still responsive.
The second issue was that when I went to shutdown..I COULDN’T! The Shutdown and Restart buttons were completely missing from the dialog box. After I rebooted once they would return. This same sequence of events occurred every single for 4-5 months.I think it started when I tried to install XGL/Compiz, the 3D window system similar to Vista’s Aero GUI.
Anyway, all is well in Computerland now…almost. I still desperately want to decrease the computer footprint in my apt. Right now I’ve got a mid-tower with dual 1.8Ghz Xeon processors and a ginormous 19″ CRT monitor. It takes up a lot of space AND makes so much noise that I can’t leave it on at night. I want to replace this setup with a quad-core Shuttle mini box and a 20″ LCD. The main issue is that, even though this computer is now nearly five years old, its still pretty darn fast…fast enough that I don’t NEED an upgrade. Oh well. 
In other news it looks like a friend is going to hook me up with a sweet cabin in the Tennessee mountains for next to nothing. Jacuzzi tub inside, hot tub outside, pool table, plasma TV. Belle and I could be getting some much needed time away far from the madding crowd. Just need to schedule the time off.
