I’ve been using Linux powered servers since 1995. About 18 months ago I decided to try using Linux on the desktop. I’m mostly happy with it but there are a number of things that annoy me and at least once per month I seriously think about switching back to Windows.

Some things are my fault:

• Buying a laptop with an NVIDIA card (I’m never going to buy another NVIDIA product)

Some things are out of my control:

• Needing to test applications using IE
• The Australian Tax Office only supports Windows
• Being unable to sync the contacts/calendars between my phone and Evolution

Some things aren’t important but still frustrate:

• The built-in webcam and microphone don’t work
• The external microphone worked with Kubuntu (which killed the audio after a kernel upgrade) but not Ubuntu (which I use)
• I’ve never been able to use the digital TV tuner that came with the computer

While I can do 100% of my day-to-day tasks that only covers 95% of what I do each the month. Being unable able to do the other 5% has become very frustrating and is almost enough to make me switch back to Windows. I just keep feeling that if I hold off long enough that I’ll be able to do the last 5% with Linux (or Reactos will become a viable option).

Update: I’ve made some progress on syncing contacts between my phone and Horde Groupware Webmail Edition using SyncML which I then hope to sync with Evolution.