Why did I install Ubuntu?

So, my old HD died (literally old.... five years). So I installed a 10gb partition of Ubuntu 5 and a 30gb partition of Win2k.

...now, why did I bother with Ubuntu? I'm an up-and-coming Software Engineer, second year at college. Should I be, like... using it? I can't think of anything I need to use on Ubuntu that I can't just use Win2k for.

This isn't a joke post. Seriously. Why should I bother with Linux?

>>5 While that's a good idea for someone who *wants* to understand how an OS interacts with bare metal, I don't really think that fits the bill for what >>4 is asking for.

If >>4 goes in and says "I can compile all this stuff and make my own linux" they're going to yawn and not care.

What tasks do they do in the business world, and what ones are easier/more efficent to do with Linux?