With the recent security scares on eBay and other sites, we might find a few folk wondering about trying Linux. Bookworm26, hope you find your way here...
A couple of points I'd like to suggest, then a few links to articles which I've found helpful, and give more gen about GNU/Linux, and comparisons with Windows. Inevitably, these may show some bias - but interesting reading, all the same.
Linux is definitely more secure than Windows at the moment. What some may see as a downside to this is that it might occasionally require us to work just a little harder, and think a little more. Some of us are eccentric enough to find this appealing.
Linux is open-source as opposed to proprietary software; much of it is free of charge, too. The GNU project in the eighties kicked off the movement to provide quality open-source software. One of its difficulties was the lack of a suitable kernel - the basis of an operating system. This was contributed by Linus Torvalds, who aimed to provide a free alternative to the popular Unix systems, allowing similar functionality. LInus's Unix, according to lore, became Linux.
There are literally scores of different "distros" based on the Linux kernel - each has its own character and emphases.
There are significant differences between Linux and Windows - be prepared to learn a few new tricks. Having said that, modern Linux distributions - distros - are at least as easy to use as their Windows counterparts. At least, so I've found.
Some software designed for use in Windows not only doesn't work in Linux, but has no equivalent. I'm sure someone will be along with examples.
Whilst open-source software might sometimes lack the polish and refinement expected of expensive proprietary software, the major drawbacks seem to me to be either cosmetic or in the form of slightly more demanding user interfaces. I've not had the pleasure of using Adobe Photoshop, for instance, but understand it to be more intuitive than its open source counterpart, the GIMP, or Gnu Image Manipulation Program. Yet GIMP seems to exceed most people's needs, and one can hardly baulk at the price.
There are just too many Linux distros for some people's taste - it can be difficult to make a choice. Additionally, they tend not to be supported for all that long.
The upside of this is constant improvement - and when your distro's no longer supported, it's unlikely to cost you anything to replace it. (There are paid-for versions, aimed mainly at enterprise and the commercial server sector.)
Most of the apps most of us need are available for Linux - we just need to find those which can replace more familiar (to some) Windows apps. Thus, OpenOffice/GoOffice, Abiword and Gnumeric replace the MS Office suite and its components. Scribus offers a powerful publishing app. And so on.
Paid telephone support is rare. Friendly forums specific to your selected distro/s are common. Thus, lots of peer support is available on-line. (Bear in mind that not all computer experts are also blessed with strong powers of empathy - that they give up their time at all shows their inherent generosity of nature - so don't be sensitive if, just every now and then, a helper on a forum seems a little impatient. It's worth explaining from the outset that you're inexperienced. As I intend doing for the rest of my life.)
We all have our favourites. A very useful source of information about what Linux distros are available is Distrowatch:
http://distrowatch.com/
which links safely to the various distributors.
For more about just what exactly Linux (or more correctly GNU/Linux) is and what it's all about, have a read through a few of these:
http://www.gnu.org/gnu/gnu-history.html
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-fundamental-differences-between-linux-and-windows/406
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux
http://hubpages.com/hub/Things-To-Know-Before-Replacing-Windows-By-Linux
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/10-mistakes-linux-newbies-make/34444
Much more out there, of course. And some of those are definitely dated.
Interesting ethical take on open source and education:
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/schools.html
And if after all that, anyone's still keen to give it a try, feel free to post back here - someone will try to find articles to steer you in the right direction, or seek to answer your question. You'll be relieved to hear I've already used a significant chunk of my postings for the day.
And if you want advice about which distro/s to try first, post back. You will get sugggestions, and will be gratified at the arguments discussions that ensue.
