Vienna is the 'next release' scheduled for 2009(Although microsoft have never actually hit an expected delivery date - EVER)
There is some concern that Vista may become what Windows Me was, a stopgap OS with bits of what they really wanted to include but couldn't get built in time. Microsoft were coming under pressure that they hadn't released anything for some time so they had to get 'something' out there.
Linux is wonderful. (You didn't expect me to say owt else about it did you?
) remember its not an all or nothing choice, you can have both Windows and Linux installed and just choose which you want at startup. This is so that you can work your way into Linux overe a period of time as and when you are comfortable.
PM me or Cyfr if you want more info or add us to MSN
PS, I did some beta testing on Vista(reported ~8 or 9 bugs) and didn't get paid for it (I didn't have to pay to test it though unlike you lucky people
)