Thanks for that synopsis, Julia. My understanding was that Linux had greater relevance to business applications than to home use, and you have confirmed that impression. I must confess to being fed up with the vagaries of Microsoft - my nearly new Vista machine has its own irritating eccentricities - so I imagine that I will be going for the Apple Mac option next time round, and just grit my teeth (or possibly, by then, my dentures) over the extra cost.
I think, Jamie, on the strength of Julia's knowledge of these matters, you would be better advised to stick with Microsoft or, better still, if you can afford the higher outlay, an Apple Mac.