Ditto on the linux, or a full-body-condom for your windoze box.
heh.....
Well for those who wish to use windows and still retain their freedom it is possible, but it requires ownership of two independent computers.
Keep one of them completely disconnected from the internet, running windows. There's nearly zero chance of getting viruses or spyware(including MS's new spyware) and there's no need to go through the daily chore of updates. Just use the computer.
I'm a fan of windows in this configuration. It actually works pretty well.
The second machine be a mac, or linux based.
It's almost guaranteed you'll have little headaches if you follow this.
Make sure it's a latux (laTUX, not laTEX) condom. :)