That's older computers and wiser users of course just in case you're not a senior citizen.

So just say no to the expensive computer upgrades needed to run most of the Windows Vista editions available in 2008. At the same time you can avoid the DRM nightmare too and yet do most things you need with your existing machine as long as you install Linux alongside your existing operating system. 

Devote a little time and almost no out-of-pocket expenses and you can upgrade to "free" software while keeping your present software and data intact. That way you can switch over time to Linux as your old software setup becomes increasingly more obsolete.

The learning curve is fast on either of the two main graphic interfaces used in Linux: KDE or Gnome.

Some like to think of KDE as being similar to a standard IBM PC look  and Gnome more like a MAC, Its easy to customize either to your liking and you can then access almost any of the nearly 20,000 open-source software packages available either freely on the Internet or shipped to you door on CD for next to nothing.

Step #1

Get yourself a Linux Live CD (see our Service page for the best voted Live-CD's available on the market)

Step #2: 

Check your printer for compatibility

Most printers available today are easy to set-up under Linux. But with a live-CD you can allow the software to set-it-up for you without upsetting anything already on your computer.  Just in case you have a really old printer though, here's a list of printers for Linux at this site.

Step #3

Check out you the Internet connexion (dial-up, wireless or other high band-width).

Note down your Internet settings from the Windows System - Network Connexions section (i.e. Internet server provider adresses for the incoming and out-going mail server names, your ISP ID and password and anything else in the settings section for you connexion that might be unique) and then boot onto your Live Linux CD. Then just enter the information to configure under Linux.  If you're still on dial-up and have an old modem to connect that Linux doesn't recognise, here's a site for advice on  modems if your's needs special attention or replacing.