So, if I have a computer and what to put Linux on it (I am just a regular joe who wants to surf the web, read email, and use Word and Excel) is there a Linux that I an download and install easily? Will the spreadsheet product read excel files?
Yes, there is. I prefer Fedora, but only because I've used Red Hat since the earliest versions. Fedora installs without any reboot until the install is finished, and it's a no-brainer. I've heard good things about MEPIS, Xandros, and Linspire, but have not tried any of them. I've heard they all install easier than Windows.
Will the spreadsheet product read excel files?
OpenOffice.org will read virtually any Excel spreadsheet you put in front of it. Due to the proprietary nature of Excel, though, macros may give you some issues. OOo will also save into Excel format.
SimplyMepis.
I am by no means a "geek", and I have it on both my laptop and my desktop. It's not difficult to use. The installation is easier than any Windows version that I've seen, and hardware detection is excellent. The only recommendation is that if you're on dialup, get an external serial modem. They're almost all compatible with Linux and they don't require your processor to do the work. If you use a network adapter, don't sweat it. I haven't seen one yet that any version of Linux couldn't configure automatically.
I don't know about downloading it. I ordered my CD directly from the site (SimplyMepis 2004) for about $14, but that's with in-state sales tax. Yours should be slightly cheaper.