In the interests of trying to live without licenses, without cost and without forced loyalty, I have turned my netbook (Samsung NC10, standard spec albeit with 2gb RAM) completely over to Jolicloud http://www.jolicloud.com/. This is a Linux-based operating system rather than Windows-based and requires absolutely zero technical skills to operate.
You can have this as a dual-boot option (i.e. you have the choice between your normal Windows and Jolicloud when you boot up) or you can do what I have done and make it a standalone Operating System for your netbook. I would recommend you use the dual-boot option as long as you want to keep an alternative Operating System, although I am finding this absolutely wonderful and as speedy as a Mexican mouse as a standalone!
You don't have to be remotely techie for this - the system is utterly easily to install and use and apps are available in an ever-increasing number from an easy-to-use Marketplace interface - e.g. OpenOffice instead of MS Office and so on.
You can also see the same programs from any pc with a browser anywhere in the world via http://my.jolicloud.com/ - you can even register from there and get a feel for this great way of working.
I will update my blog often, to represent my findings and to show any limitations - it's been a week so far and I haven't found any yet. Please feel free to comment with any feedback; I should point that although I am evangelising for Jolicloud, I have no relationship whatsoever with them except as an impressed user.
And yes, this post has been created completely on my Jolicloud netbook!
