If you ever wanted to try Linux, now is your time.

Traditionally  normal windows users were wary of adopting Linux due to the steep learning curve.  Believe me,  Linux has come a long long way. Its user friendly, its fast and its good looking.  Linux may have a few minuses but there are features by virtue of which it scores over other OSes. If you feel you are up for the ride. give Linux a try. I strongly recommend Ubuntu Linux. Download a copy now from  http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download.  Download the latest version (8.10) . Its an ISO file which you need to burn on a CD to be able to install. You can also order a free CD to be delivered to your doorstep.  How cool is that ! Beat that Microsoft. And just in case you need help there is a very cool free ebook available to help you out.  You can find it here. http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/download.html

In case you are still stuck try looking at the various UBUNTU forms where really nice helpful people will be willing to help you out. Or shoot a question to me.  I will answer them if  I know the answer .