Changing Operating System

Okay first of all, think before you do anything new.

A computer is a tool, not a religion. Keep that in mind from now until you stop using computers.

If Linux does something for you that isn't being managed to your satisfaction under Windows, then by all means prepare to switch or at the very least, dual boot.

You will want to know what you're getting yourself into though. There is no shortage of people who are experienced enough with Windows to lend a hand or answer a few questions. There *IS* a shortage of experienced people when it comes to Linux... that's probably one of the biggest stumbling blocks in wide-spread Linux adoption. So before you start making major changes, consult with people close to you... seek out a Linux user group in your area and by ALL MEANS download one of the KNOPPIX cd images, burn it to a CD and boot from that. While running KNOPPIX from CD is vastly slower than what you could expect of a typical Linux installation, it allows you to test drive Linux in a way that can help you appreciate the similarities and differences of operating environments.

Another problem with Linux is that there are definite differences and it isn't any different than moving from Windows to MacOS. It's a different way of doing [the same] things and those differences affect your comfort and ease of operation, not to mention the ever important "first impression." Expect to have to work a little harder for anything you don't already know how to do under Linux. But like anything else, once you've got the experience under your belt, it's easy just like anything else.

Well said erroneous.

Remember that there are  just somethings that worked in Windows that won't work in Linux (or work well in Linux).  If you are a big gamer (want to play all the modern games), still use win modems, or struggle at all with learning windows, you may want to wait a while.

The suggestion to use Knoppix is great, it will give you a good idea on what will work and what won't work.  If you do jump forward with this, try to chose a distro that is very popular as there will be a lot of write ups, tutorials, and other help that will be valuable, not to mention these forums.

 

Good luck.