My desktop just died this morning.....HELP....you two seem to know alot about computers (and others here) I’ve always used Windows based computers...should I consider switching to an Apple type? I haven’t had a new computer in 6+ years....aaagghghghg
What do you want to use it for?
Windows is good if you have a moderate amount of money.
Linux is good if are willing to sacrifice some effort in order to save a ton of money.
Stick with Windows. That's what you know. Stick with your strength.
If you want to learn Linux on the side, fine, try some of the Linux/Unix apps that run under Windows, as Window variants: in your case OpenOfiice for DeskTopPublishing and Gimp for image editing. And to get experience in the Unix command line, try Cygwin, a linux-like set of unix tools that run under windows. Take a course at a night school in linux.
If you really want to to switch, say because you need to see if you CAN still can learn something new, go to the MAC side and hire a tutor to get you up to speed on the basics you need for your work.
Put your work needs first! That means getting proficient in the tools you need to work on whatever system you go to. I do NOT recommend Linux to you for that reason.
Stick with Windows. Or, if you need the reaffirmation that you are indeed a lifetime learner -- get a MAC and hire a tutor to get going with it.
If you switch to Linux, well, you'll be doing your professional skills a harm. Maybe you are no longer a professional and just a hobbyist? If so, sure -- go to Linux.
There's MANY good reasons to use Linux, it's clean, safe and reliable for those using it as a web-based platform to serve data and apps, and also for embedded systems. That doesn't apply in your case. And I don't see anything that does apply. Linux is not a good platform for most desktop work.