Concerning "Linux", you should know a few things. And you should be pointed in the right direction in order to learn everything you need to know. There are myths and there are truths. You be the judge. Linux is about Freedom and knowledge in a large way. Linux can be very stable, secure, fun, flexible, and free. Like anything, you will hear about the bad and the good. Other people's experiences are very valuable and should be shared freely, most of the time :). Knowledge is power, and sometimes someone else's ignorance.

First I'd like to say that I have read several of the "Linux" guides in the "Guide" section here at ebay. They are what inspired me to give you this guide. Several of them are titled "...avoid scams...", based on "Linuxes" (should be 'Linux distributions'). I agree with a lot of what they say, in fact I can't disagree with too much -only elaborate. I don't know if any of these really are scams or not, but I can tell you what I do know.

       About some of the guides concerning 'Scams' -These folks are correct when they tell you that these Linux Distributions are free. Most of the distributions are freely available to download, to copy, to change and mold into what you want or need, and even shipped to you for free in some cases, Ubuntu comes to mind. I am not writing this guide in order to judge whether or not any auctions are scams, but I can say that I am skeptical, only because I viewed the listings and have many questions about the Linux distribution listed. They are probably good ones, people just need to know what to ask, and that will differ with each individual user.

     When talking about Linux, you are talking about a very small portion of a Linux based Operating System. One of the first things that should be considered before committing to a distribution is the Linux Kernel that is shipped with these distributions, is it maintained/supported by who? Will you have to immediately download the source and recompile? Beginners certainly are not prepared for that, although it is not too difficult.  A Linux Kernel is the "Linux" within a Linux operating system. Linux was written with the intent for it to be free, not just as-in "you don't pay money" but also free as in freedom, to do with as you like, etc. This should also be researched by anyone who is interested, you can find lots of information about the GNU license on the Internet. Look first at www.gnu.org. To keep this somewhat shorter, I'll get back to the kernel. The Linux Kernel is currently licensed under a GNU license, GPLv2. The distribution that uses the kernel must follow certain rules under this license, that is why I brought it up. The newest kernel is not always the best, but you certainly want to know which will be 'shipped' with your distro, again research, ask questions to those who offer you a Linux distribution.

     When people say "Free Linux" they are really talking about GNU/Linux. They should say GNU/Linux when talking about a complete operating system. There is nothing wrong with someone who wants to get paid for their labor and/or materials used to build and distribute an operating system. Find out what you want or need first, you may want to pay for your Linux distribution because the price may entitle you to other privileges. Or you can download the latest 'stable release' for free, in most cases with support and documentation.

    I am going to say right here that I do not know everything, but I have done lots of my homework. You should too. I certainly can not cover everything here in an ebay guide, but I'd love to get you started.

    www.google.com/linux is a great search engine that returns Linux related results first. Most distribution have a home page with tons of support in various forms. Typically this type of 'self-help' support won't cost you more than the time and electricity it takes to get it. In fact, most will agree that you will get better support this way than you have ever experienced with the other operating systems.

 Don't believe what you may have heard around ebay or anywhere else that drivers, hardware, etc., are difficult with GNU/Linux, it's the same the OS world over. GNU/Linux distributions are typically cutting edge operating systems. True, you may have problems at install, but that goes with any installation of software -these thing occur. Old hardware, sure. New hardware, sure. Try putting Windows XP on a 100 Mhz Pentium, yeah 1993 technology good luck I'm sure it can be done, but you might have an easier time finding a Linux distribution that works better on an old system. Thats an extreme example, but not unheard of or unrealistic! GNU/Linux supports lots of hardware, and yes a lot of the time with more ease than Windows, especially concerning networking and Internet access. Sometimes not though, you may need to do a little (or a lot) of footwork to get things going depending on your end goals and expectations. Sometimes it just works. This goes for all operating systems, people just don't realize it because they want to go through what everyone goes through instead of a unique experience. Windows is not going to make anything easier for you or anyone else.

     Another good reason to move to a GNU/Linux is that you will learn a lot more and a lot more often about your computer and software that you use, thus staying in control of your computer and computing environment. Knowledge is power. Especially when talking about computing power.

    GNU/Linux is not Windows...You will have to interact with a command line interface from time to time. You need to with Windows too, it just get neglected by most or passed to someone else. Linux is sometimes referred to as "UNIX like" operating system. In fact it is a Unix clone. Why? Ask Linus Torvalds (originator of Linux). Actually, research the history of Linux if you are really interested. It has been stated that UNIX was a model because security among other reasons. Linux is very Secure, that is why you don't here of Linux viruses very much, ok not at all. Nothing is full proof though. Yes you should have a virus scanner in Linux, not so much because of your vulnerability, but so you don't harbor and pass viruses to others through email, file sharing, & so on. A Linux firewall is always built in and is, by default, set relatively secure. You are not "bullet proof" with Linux & GNU/Linux though, but you certainly will not find yourself scanning for viruses, spyware and the likes all the time. Scan your Windows based files (and shared files) on the way in and/or out of your system if you feel you need to. Spyware is practically non-existent with Linux & GNU/Linux. Cracking? sure. Most Internet servers are Linux based, and we all know they have been "hacked" at some time or another. Mostly denial of service attacks though, or viruses to be passed on, and those are attacks, not cracks. Just to clarify, Hacking is not a bad word, look it up. Most non geeks mistakenly use the word hack in place of crack. There is a difference. Hacking refers to taking a technology beyond it's original intended use, you know like using a bag of frozen vegetables for an ice pack. Now thats a good hack.

    I could go on and on. Research, before and after the fact. Ask questions to yourself and others. System requirements are usually minimal. Some distros could in fact run very well on a 386 with 64mb of ram or less only needing as little as 50mb or less of disk space depending on what you intend on using the system for. It's been done before. Take look at Damn Small Linux (DSL), just for an interesting view at an interesting operating system. DSL makes a great rescue system even for Windows users. This is a complete operating system that can be stored an run directly from a tiny flash drive. GNU/Linux is vastly and throughly supported by the community that uses it. They are always there for you in the form of chat, mailing lists, articles, and forums to name a few.  They are professionals and enthusiasts alike. They are experts in some form or another whether in the areas of 'frustration' or software/hardware configuration. Linux is known for it's community and ideas of freedom and knowledge. Ubuntu for example, will give great support to you directly and/or through it's community, and so will a lot of other distributions. Linux and GNU and other related subjects are a fascinating and exciting community to get involved with. GNU/Linux can change the entire way you perceive computing and the Internet.
 
    Some may ask, "Why am I switching or choosing a Linux based distribution?" Its free in more than one way for starters. Linux in general, is secure. Those are a couple of key points for choosing Linux as an operating system. If you are going to pay for the distribution CD's/DVD's, make sure you have access to it's repositories and upgrades and updates, especially concerning security updates. You should already know these things if you download your distribution directly from it's source because its typically documented in plain sight. Security risks can and does exist with all software. The only part of your computer that is TOTALLY safe is the Off-button and power cord, if you use them. Firewalls and virus scanners have the same requirements, you have to use them to receive a realistic amount of security.

    Linux can save you money, it runs very well on old 'legacy' systems and just about any "brand" of computer and/or processor too. Its not just for PC and Macs! This could save you from forced hardware upgrades! There are thousands of useful software out there to be used with Linux. Often the free software is of high quality, very high quality. Do your homework, download lots of distros until you find one you like. And find lots of good stuff on ebay that a Linux will run very well with, old and/or new.

-Have fun!