The question concerns vector graphics. Are there good vector programs for Linux? Something very similar to Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw would be best. I am not a fan of xfig; it seems quite primitive when compared to Corel Draw. While I could try the crossover plugin, I would like to eventually use ALL open source programs. On sourceforge, I have seen some vector based programs, but I was wondering if there are any that people believe to have true promise.

The reason for this question concerns why I have converted to MiKTeX rather than coding LaTeX in Linux: I need to draw good vector images. I dislike having to boot into Windows everytime I want to draw a picture and then booting back into Linux when I want to code again. However, with cygwin, MiKTeX, and Corel Draw, I now have in Windows every tool I had in Linux. In fact, I actually have more tools in Windows (combined with the full version of Adobe Acrobat). I really enjoy Linux, but the programs I REALLY want are not yet available. Any thoughts?

I second that thought with enthusiasm, and some reservations. I now use only Linux, and I'm a happier user for it, bu t I really really miss Illustrator and Acrobat. I ended up running them in Wine - which is OK for the occasional thing, but still not-quite-the-same. I really don't think there is anything out there in the open-source world to match these two - programs with very good pdf and ps import / editing, working well with pdf forms, that kind of thing.

I'd willingly pay for Adobe linux versions though. Does anyone know why Adobe do not sell Linux versions? There can't be that much to do if they already work on the Mac.

Adobe doesn't make Linux software....every time I go looking for news all I see is things like "not yet, and no plans for the near future".

Illustrator apparently works well under Crossover Office, so that's an option.
I'm no expert on vector applications, but I've got tgif installed, and it seems a bit more interesting than xfig. Also, looking on their website (links to other projects), they mentioned "The GNU Yellow Vector Editor - a vector-based drawing program in the spirit of Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw"...although the link doesn't seem to be working for me at the moment.
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Poop....I found a link to it, and read this: "The development was started in 1997 and and closed in 2002"
But I did also find this: Linuxartist , which should provide us with some additional tools to experiment with

I just installed Skencil , and it looks very good...much nearer to Illustrator than anything else I've seen.
I was tempted to try the development version, but it seems the interface is unfinished, so I think i'll explore stable for a bit.

The one I'm using at the moment is kinda nice, it's called Inkscape which is based on the another vector app called sodipodi (it's kinda the same thing except that inkscape is better... imho)

http://inkscape.sourceforge.net
http://www.sodipodi.com/