[MrPiper]

I'm Linux challenged, and don't even know how to install it.

Well, I do know how to install it, but if surfing the net and email is all I use a computer for, WHY install Linux?

[bajabaja]

Why install linux at all?

Security. Much better in-built resistance to those bad bugs, viruses, and worms that can infect and destroy your surfing and emailing fun.

But maybe even that is not enough . . .

[derekr44]

but if surfing the net and email is all I use a computer for, WHY install Linux?

If all I do is drive my car, why use a seatbelt?

Email and web is the #1 place to get junk installed behind the scenes on a Windows-based computer. Linux is a great way to prevent that from happening. Don't let the name Linux scare you either. Ubuntu is a great place to start getting to know it. Once you learn how to use it, you probably won't use Windows very much after.