Mailing the story:

Here are step-by-step instructions for installing and customizing your own Linux system. On the plus side, Linux appeals to those tired of the security woes that plague Microsoft Windows and, of course, to those interested in sampling thousands of free apps. As Linux is free, you won't be encumbered by potential software-licensing frustrations. It attracts developers in particular because of the plentiful development tools that are both powerful and free. Those who venture into Linux fresh from the Windows or Macintosh worlds are often pleased to find that Linux distributions, or distros, approach user interfaces with much more flexibility than those operating systems do. If you install one distro and don't like its look-and-feel, you can switch to other graphical user interfaces—some of which may be Mac-like and some Windows-like—without reinstalling Linux.