The first beta of Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT)’s forthcoming Windows 8 operating system arrives later this month, but in the meantime you have a chance now to give a quick look to some of the most interesting versions of the Linux desktop to emerge in some time.
You will, most likely, make your decision on whether to embrace Windows 8 on factors other than the strength of Linux distributions, if history repeats itself. But the current generation of Linux OSes will provide you with a better gauge than ever on whether Windows provides the value worthy of a multi-year investment.
Here are a few reasons why you should evaluate the new Linux: