...average internet user?

If you are doing just light work, like surfing the web, creating word documents, and you want an inexpenisve operating system, then Linux is perfect! Since web browsers are pretty open, you can pretty surf 90% of the sites out there.The other 10% are sites that uses Microsoft Windows Media player. In fact, in order to use some of Yahoo sites, Windows is the only way to go. However, for every site Yahoo (And others) makes strictly for windows, there's other sites that are designed for browsers other than Internet Explorer. Linux makes an excellent system for all your surfing needs.

The problem with Linux example Suse ,its has never been simple for average user,but Linux is more stable and virus less.The problem with Linux is that for example if you want to install something you need to make the installation sometime and type command.In Windows these small things are done very easily.You can always have adual boot of linux and Windows.But remember no operating system is 100% safe and trouble less.

www.linuxquestions.org

If you use your computer just for surfing the web (Internet) Linux is the best selection without any doubt.it is much more secure than windows.but if you need your computer also for other tasks(gaming, graphic programs,music editing,programming,......) Linux is the worst selection!! as there are much less programs(shareware or freeware) available for Linux.most programs are developed for windows platforms.Now decide yourself!!(I am using windows XP as my favorite os)

Well... maybe. To be on the safe side, use surfside linux or fox linux.