Everyday Linux  an average computer user's getting started guide

The Linux advantage

Freedom... One big advantage is price. Windows will set you back £85, or more, while MS Office will cost you another £90 or so... and neither may work on your existing PC. Similarly, the latest version of Windows may not run your existing programs. You may have to buy a new PC and new software. Additionally, the latest version of Windows may be tied to the PC it's installed on, you may not be able to transfer it to a new PC. Linux is free, includes all necessary programs, runs on older computers and can be installed on multiple PCs.

...from viruses and other malware As we all know, Windows is prone to malware and there's a lot of malicious software on a lot of malicious websites. With Windows you have to be very careful about which software you install (intentionally or otherwise) and where you get it from. This takes time and effort. After that you need to keep *all* your software regularly updated with security patches. Again, it takes time and effort and it's easy to miss vital security updates.

Linux updates regularly and safely, the update system includes updates for your programs as well. It's easier and quicker to keep Linux up-to-date. One thing you won't find included with Linux is an anti-virus or anti-malware program. Linux is designed differently to Windows and it's always been difficult for malware ('viruses') to infect a Linux PC. So there's almost no malware for Linux and very little chance of your Linux PC getting infected with viruses or spyware. The Linux advantage: it's free, safe and easy to update and (virtually) malware-free. Next:  Linux, ready to use 'out of the box'