There are two main differences. The first is cost - Linux is much cheaper. The second is that Windows is a proprietary system owned by Microsoft, a company which makes huge profits and Linux is Open Source and developed by a community of unpaid volunteers. Visually and in terms of how they are used there isn't a huge difference.

If your main use of a computer is for word processing/office suite use and Internet activity, and you have cable or other high speed service via a networking card, there's no reason why you shouldn't try Linux. If you use your computer frequently for store-bought games, or are on dial-up modem Internet, Windows is probably a better choice. Reasons to try Linux: * Most of the popular versions (like Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS) are free. * It will run fast on the computer you own today (or the one you have that's 5 years old!) unlike Vista. * It's a simple point and click system, just like Windows. * New versions come out frequently: 1-2 times a year, or more. * It's easy to install (10─30 minutes for desktop Linux distributions like Ubuntu). * The software you need is also included (CD/DVD burning, media player, browser, office suite, instant messaging, etc) and doesn't need to be installed separately. * Security updates to Linux are downloaded automatically, just like Windows. * Updates to all of your installed software come also happen automatically, so you'll never have to download new versions. * Anti-Virus software isn't necessary. To get Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com To get PcLinuxOS: http://www.pclinuxos.com More comparison information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux