My 2p worth's might be of some help, else it's just gristle to the mill....

I have worked in IT Security for quite a few years and I think it's great that people are asking about Linux now for home use (most security appliances like firewalls work on some kind of linux/bsd derivative, as do many business and web servers) and the recent explosion of netbooks coming preloaded with Linux to avoid increasing the cost of the machine by 20% odd percent has also helped.

My advice when people ask about buying computers (as more and more of the general public are becoming more aware of security on their home computer) is usually:

1. by default, buy a mac - it has a solid operating system based on bsd, similiar to linux if you like, but with a lovely intuative interface and all of the pain taken out of getting up and running and a great set of default programs. As more and more people move to apple most popular programs now how a mac version, or you can easily run windows programs on a emulation program such as Parallels - parallels.com. They don't really offer any super cheap options, but the package that you get software/hardware wise is worth the money and comparible with similiar specs PC's usually. (I like recommending this option because nobody comes back two months later with their computer full of viruses or trying to load some drivers to capture film from them video camera etc ;-)

2. If that's not an option, and your requirements are fairly basic - browse the internet, email, load pictures, update blog etc, then any pc or laptop loaded with Ubuntu is fast, 'secure' and effective - though you will need to type in a few commands at the command line which is confusing and all of the programs and technology will be named differently so it can take a few months to feel relaxed with your computer and feel like you understand it, but Ubuntu is very good at getting help into google searches. Linux will work on older hardware with ease so is a great cheap otion - and I like the ethos of it all as well ;-) so if your willing to endure a little pain whilst you come up to speed and allow for the fact that a few programs aren't available, then it is a great choice.

3. Windows - if that's all you know and you don't have any interest in doing anything new or different and have some programs that aren't available for Linux then you will happily get stuff done on a Windows XP machine - avoid Vista at this stage. Security is an issue with Windows machines so factor in the likely cost of having somebody clean your machine once a year if your not up to speed on how to stay safe on the internet (affects all computers, but your a much easier target with Windows etc). So, a safe, easy choice, but poor security increases the chances of your bank account being cleaned out ;-)


Hope that helps? Linux is cool and worth pursuing in my opinion. If your slightly seriously into photograghpy and video, then definately go for a mac etc

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Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak