Which OS should I use for main OS.

[chunkified]

Hey,

I'm about to format my computer in the next few days. I'm a bit torn about what operating system to use as my main OS. I don't mind booting between two them but I'd rather not have to do it on a regular basis.
My options are: Windows XP 64-bit, Leopard or Ubuntu (or other more suitable distro).
I've kinda narrowed down my main OS choice to XP64 or Leopard mainly because it's less hassle to get up and running again but would be open to using a Linux distro.
I mainly use Maya, Photoshop, Houdini (i know it doesn't run on a mac ), and Nuke.
Not sure which to go with and also if I do choose to go with Linux as my main... not sure which distro to go with... Ubuntu or Fedora.
reply if you have time thx

[Andy]

i think the answer is in your question. since you are using maya, photoshop, etc i'd go with windows... simply use the os you are most comfortable with. after all i think os discussions are overrated since all of them work nicely in a production environment as far as my experience is....

greetings!

[andjar]

I would go for a windows XP x64 + SUSE(a very hood distribution for linux beginners) dual boot system.That's the setup i'm planning to get on my pc.Right now i'm using x64 only.

[alkali]

I'd say dual-boot Ubuntu and XP x64.

[ShadowMaker SdR]

I'd say XPpro and Vista64 bit. XP Pro is a proven stable base for windows software (don't laugh it really is) and Vista64Bit is probably the only 64bit that will get any love from Microsoft in the future.

[chunkified]

i've been using ubuntu and xp64 for a while now. ubuntu is mega user friendly but doesn't seem to run all the software i need to use
if i had time i'd try some more distros but i have to get my computer sorted this week as I have some freelance to do... argh!
any other distros i should jump on...? if you're using linux at work, which distro are you using/which is the most popular in VFX houses?
thx for the help

[gpstar]

Run all 3 in a triple boot setup. Ubuntu, XP64 and Leopard.

[chunkified]

unfortunately ubuntu isn't really an option at the mo as there are issues with Houdini 9's licensing and Ubuntu 7

[stardusted]

Is Shake running on Ubuntu or Suse? Or should i just try to install Leo for Shake and FCP?

[sgr]

Houdini is currently in Beta for mac.

[chunkified]

yea i have shake running on ubuntu fine

[nathan]

unfortunately ubuntu isn't really an option at the mo as there are issues with Houdini 9's licensing and Ubuntu 7

What issues? I ran it fine in 7... Also there is a new Ubuntu so you should you always could try that as well.

[stardusted]

Is Ubuntu less hassle to set up and running than Leopard or SUse on a PC machine? i tried once but had no luck installing my NVidia drivers. does the new version of Ubuntu run Shake fluently?