Knowing how the Linux hacker scene is, anything that someone makes there is almost guarenteed to be a Linux project to make something close. Well guess what, there is a really easy way to make panoramic photos from multiple still shots in Ubuntu! Read more here

Ubuntu 8.10 – Earlier versions might work but you might have to find updated packages
A digital camera – Almost any will do, I use a 7 MP Kodak pocket camera and it is awesome.
GIMP – For cropping and converting the final TIFF result