Should I download linux?

A Live Linux CD is always handy for dealing with annoying Windows problems.

I don't think that many PC games are available for Linux.

You'll probably have to run a Windows VM.
I've got an XP VM which runs my old games without problems in Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (64 bit).

I don't play games butI do keep a copy of Ubuntu on disc so that if I have a problem with booting up a PC, whether it be mine or someone else's I can always run Ubuntu from the disc and get to all the data files without booting up Windows. Would recommend this to anyone as a safeguard.
You can run Ubuntu from the disc to see how you get on with it! No need to install. You should get the choice when you load the disc!

You have to be careful and make sure that you choose a "high" performance USB stick.

I installed Ubuntu on my 4 GB USB stick, but it actually ran a lot (and I mean a lot!) slower than the Live CD!

techpro said:

Apparently it's a good bulletproof system why wouldn't I get that?

It's got a rather steep learning curve for anybody coming from a lifelong experience with Windows. If you have previous Unix experience, it won't be that difficult to get used to.

techpro said:

I like playing games but surely I could make that happen with some tweaking.

Depends upon the game, your hardware, and how much time you will dedicate to getting a game for Windows running on another OS. Personally, for people who game, I strongly suggest that they keep a Windows box around just for that. Use Linux for the other things.

techpro said:

Anyone else use linux?

Yes, I use it a ton and support it at work. Have been using it since 1998 or so.

Yeah I use it on my other pc,installed linux on it and it's not to hard to learn to use it.

3D Jed said:

Fair point, but I actually used a cheap slow pen drive for the Knoppix and it seems ok. Slow USBs tend to be slow in the write dept which isn't the issue here.

It was strange.
My USB version would get to the early splash screen quicker than the Live CD, but then it seemed to hang for a couple of minutes.

3D Jed said:

One advantage of USB is that settings etc can be stored.

Agreed.

3D Jed said:

Anyhow, for the OP - since these distros are free, grab a few and experiment. Live CD/USB won't touch your Windows files.

Agreed.
IMO, Linux Mint 13 (MATE) seems like a promising distro.

Yep I have mine on CD but cannot get it to install from it to make a dual boot on some old machines I am working on - nice handy app though for when the old Windows is kicking up:)