Most people are completely satisfied using one operating system such as Windows XP, Vista, or any of the other Microsoft operating systems.

However, and I would almost bet this is the case with most computer users in general, there is always that small sub-conscious blurb that repeatedly tells you there has to be something better. In most instances they simply forget about it, or think they don't have the expertise or the extra computer to use as a beta testing PC for the purpose of trying out other operating systems. I mean who in their right mind would risk trashing a very important system in order to try something new.

There is hope and there is an answer for the meekest of users however, and its called a live cd.

Most Linux distributions have what are called LIVE CD's. Basically these are cds that you place in your computer that will in essence let you try out an operating system, before you decide to take the plunge and install it as a secondary operating system on your hard drive.

As an example if you download the Kubuntu iso and create your cd or dvd, thn simply boot to the media you created, you can then use it on a trial basis. You can surf the internet, get used to all of its features, and then if and only if you decide to install the OS, just click the install icon and wallah, you are off and running.

I just used Kubuntu as an example, but there are many , many distributions, and you can always try one after another, until you find the one that suits your personality the best. Believe it or not a distribution that runs fine on one computer may not run so good on another. This is the beauty of testing via a Linux live cd. If you don't like it, simply eject the cd reboot your system, and return to your normal OS.

My feeling however is, that once you really give Linux a true shot, you will come to realize that it does everything Windows does, does it faster and better, and get this... no spyware.. no viruses.. and by using emulation programs, your favorite games and software that you use in Windows can be used in Linux without a hitch.. and security..well lets just say its massive and it works. Very seldom will you ever see a security flaw or patch for Linux. No worries about that little yellow icon in the tray telling you its time for another security update. That in itself is worth the learning curve (and believe me, the learning curve for Linux is not all that bad) Its really rather intuitive, and for you Mac users you will be surprised to find how familiar it is.

If you truly are tired of Windows and feel its time for a change, simply download the Linux distribution of your choice and give it a try.

You may be pleasantly surprised, and soon you too will see why Linux geeks are so adamant about their FREE OS.

Sure I still use Windows, but more and more I find myself using Linux on a daily basis. Why you ask?

Because it works and it does what I need it to do without aggravating me every 10 seconds with a genuine this, a genuine that, or an allow this or an allow that and a blue screen here and a blue screen there, and I can forget about thse "What the heck did that error say about 8X00XX88765XX"

I've never even seen that folder :)

In a nutshell... Linux just works like it should and the best part of all.... its absolutely, positively, 100% free.

Now thats what I call an eBay bargain for real!