Computer Questions -- Opinions sought.

[zianuray]

All  the OS i've ever had is MSWindows.  ME on the desktop, and XP on this laptop.  I am FAR from a professional, but I've heard Linux is an all-around better system and not hard to get used to.  For a non-pro, is that likely to be true?  

(If it matters, which I doubt, I've been able to load and use Mozilla Firefox, which if I understand correctly is based off a Linux/MS hybrid called "Lindows.")

thebruce, I know you told me earlier that a hard drive has a useful life of about 3 years.  

Anyone:  This one is on borrowed time.  Better to replace the drive and add some memory or just replace the whole shebang and have someone transfer files?

IF Linux is practical for a relative novice, is a Linux OS available on a new system, or is it all Windows Vista now (which again, I've been told is SOS and not in a good way)?  If I still have my XP disk that came with this laptop, can I (practicalities, not permissions) load XP onto the new hard drive?

What am I forgetting to ask?