Chris did great work on the ubuntu/emc2 setup. It is truly painless. Chris's setup installs everything that is needed including the realtime kernal. Plus as been stated - you get updates as they are developing. If you use the bdi and want to try emc2 it takes a little more work.
I would say emc2 + axis interface is awsome.
http://www.electronicsam.com/images/...axisubuntu.png
The emc2 package has been getting better and better. Very happy with it. Powerfull enought to retrofit our big old nc mill. (the next project)
sam