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I have been wanting to move to a linux based environment for java development for quite a while now. Many PROD servers I deploy to run on a linux distro. So testing configuration / code changes becomes easier when you have multiple DEV environments. I deploy to CentOS among other linux flavors. I have settled on the Open  Suse 11.2 desktop. Here are some things I liked

1. Open Suse managed to detect my Nvidia driver with Yast. I guess they teamed up with Nvidia to host a repository for linux drivers. I didnt have to download kernel sources or devels to enable dual monitor support (Which is otherwise required). Nice !
2. PPP over internet setup was pretty easy. Kinternet and the Yast configuration settings together let me connect to the net with ease.
3. Community support seems good. The Suse forums are alive and kicking.
4. In general there was software by default on the desktop that turned out to be very useful. I didn’t have to download extra components unless it was specific to my hardware, like a specialized driver.  ksnapshot for example is a cool way to capture screenshots.

I am yet to try out Ubuntu. For some reason it does not detect all my hardware so it fails to install If you are still using windows to develop in java here are a few reasons you should switch

1. Looks good on your resume. Learning to work with another OS / Desktop can broaden your perspective on getting things done.
2. Not as many viruses.
3. No IE
4. If you are someone that loves the command line client, you will enjoy getting things done quickly with the shell console.
5. Firewall configuration is pretty flexible and can be bent into any shape you want provided you know what you are doing.
6. Automatic updates managed by a package manager
7. You can switch to multiple workspaces to manage your windows.
8. etc etc.

That said I did find some minor annoyances.

1. No IE. Whether I like it or not some users still use IE to access some of my apps. So my selenuim based RC test cases will not fire the IE window anymore. I have to use tools like BrowserShots or Adobe’s BrowserLab to get things done.
2. Some applications require me to run a .exe file as a plugin. This is very rare but can be overcome by simulating programs on Wine.
3. Learning new shortcuts can be a pain. So if you feel frustrated dont give up. Remember that you had to do the same with windows when you started out. So it will ease with time.

I am able to do everything that I used to do with windows and there are free tools  that support just about any software function you can think of.  Not being able to find the tools / software you need is just a myth. Almost any function you can think of that you are currently using in windows, is supported under linux. Make the switch and enjoy the stability of linux. Use another distro besides Open Suse ? Feel free to leave a comment.