Is 64bit Linux/Ubuntu a worthwhile alternative to use as a general use OS?
Definitely. If you are happy with a Unix type OS, Ubuntu is a great Linux distro. I've always preferred Debian based distro's over Red Hat type.
Does Linux make a good secondary OS? (any dual-boot issues, for instance?)
I never liked LILO or GRUB, I've often had problems trying to get Windows and Linux to co-exist, but there are other (sometimes commercial) alternatives. You might have more luck than I have.
What is the future of Microsoft's Windows operating system?
I think it's safe to say that Vista will be the top dog eventually, and it's shelf life may end up being extended like 98 and XP. After that, who knows.
Yes, XP has a few more years yet. Many people still use 98, and the signs are that XP could keep going for just as long.
Leopard will only replace Windows when Apple decide to let it run on any old PC hardware.
The size of the Linux userbase is hard to guage, certainly some large companies use it or are considering the change. The average home user such as my wife is clueless about it though and isn't likely to make the switch without being pushed.
Linux is very commercial, at least in certain areas. Gaming is one area that is lacking, but Cedega is starting to make up for that.
AmigaOS4 doesn't have a large enough base of hardware to start to dominate, that could be changed with a move to x86 though. Whether it will happen is another question, one which I couldn't answer.
The bottom line is: Linux is free compared to the ?100+ for Windows, it offers great choice but this can sometimes be confusing (eg Gnome or KDE, RPM or DEB etc). Check the Cedega web page, if they support the games you are likely to be playing, give Ubuntu a try, it costs nothing.
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