hello,
Who said Linux better than windows ? I didn't. but here is my experience an why I stick to the Linux plateform:
I am used to Linux and I work faster and better under Linux than Windows. So that why I whish Discreet to port their tools under Linux. If You are more comfortable using Windows (I assume you tryed Linux and You didn't Like it) than stick to it, that is your choice.
I have made numerous comparisons beetween Windows and Linux. I used Houdini and Maya under Linux and Windows and with the same hardware/ In both case houdini and maya where more stable and reliable under Linux.
I have made test rendering using several Renderman compliant renderers, but also MentalRay. On the same computer with a dual boot. Rendering was faster (not a lot faster) under Linux. if you render en animation a bit faster to render a frame is always a plus.
As I said, Have a dual boot Linux/WindowsXP. My has computer never crashed under Linux. I have used Linux for 4 years now, Linux crashed once and reason is because I made it to crash in purpose 
I have FAt32 partitions so I can share common files between Linux and Windows. Believe it or not, I had trouble openning files created under Windows XP. I tought they where Lost. Hopefully I could access to them under Linux. I never had files being corrupted under Linux.
5.When an application crash under Linux. I don't have to reboot. (as a Windows user you might say "well it just take a couple of second to reboot" which is something that' seems natural to do for a Windows user, not for a Unix user). If you were a Taxi Driver making money out of your car (or not) would you accept your car to stop everytime your indicator stop working ? It also take a couple of second to restart but next time you buy a car you'll make sure to avoid the one you already have.
Security. I never had any malwares, addware, or virus under Linux. Under Windows I have 3 antivirus running (I have to stop them when I need a maximum of resources) but I still have troubles.
I am use to the shell and to do task with a terminal wich save a lot of time when you use it effiently.
I prefers the Gnome Desktop or KDE than Windows Desktop. I can customize them easily and thus be more efficient. (this is my nature, I like custumising the tools I use).
I don't Like Microsoft policy and attitude toward their clients. So, usually if I am not happy with a merchant policy and go somewhere else. I am independent.
I like being able to choose between a range of product. Operating Systems are products and many OSs exists but when you buy a PC, very often, the only choise you have is between Windows XP Pro or Windows XP home edition ! wow ! that's a lot of choices for you ! how lucky you are....
... well I think it is enough I can write like that for hours.
Of course this is my personnal experience and some can show up and say the complete opposite of what I said. but if Linux is more suitable for me as a client I am telling to the mechant What I would like to have.
YOU and I are the clients. So we shall impose and ask what tools we need and not the Merchant to tell us what to use. By not supporting the Linux Plateform, some companies are indirectly imposing me to use Windows , which I don't accept.
If you are happy with Windows than I am glad for you don't go for Linux. but please You cannot say "Combustion runs stable & consistent on XP Pro". That doesn't make any sense as you cannot compare with Combustion running under Linux or IRIX.
"If you want something to run on linux there are plenty of other choices out there. "
What choise ? you cannot compare shake or nuke to Combustion.
"Where is combustion for IRIX! "
Where are Inferno, Flame, Flint, Smoke, Shake for Windows ? Ho ! maybe Discreet, don't won't to bother exigents Windows users with such crappy packages ?
NO!?
Maybe the cost of the PC hardware is to low ?
Yes. that's the reason why. Discreet wants you to use expensive hardware just to bother you.
Don't simplify things Like that buddy. If Discreet isn't porting Combustion under Linux or IRIX , there is clearly a reason for that. I just wish to know what it is .....
thanks for your answer. (and please excuse my english)
Daek
