Linux, Advantages/Disadvantages?

What are some basic advantages of getting linux, It sais on the link: http://us.releases.ubuntu.com/releases/5.04/
...that Intel X86 install CD allows you to install Ubuntu permanently on a computer. There are three images available, each for a different type of computer.
Now if i install this on my PC will my windows and all its components be gone forever? Can i eventualy Delete LINUX as it says it will permanently install linux on my computer, makes it sound once it is on there is no turning back.
Help me out here, how do i install, how do i delete?
I appriciate all replys? Thanks!

 

"Permanently" means you can reformat and install something else, but your installation will not be gone with the next reboot. LiveCD is the opposite - it will not even write anything on your hard disk, run completly from CD and RAM.

But of course, if you install it without keeping your Windows partition, it will be erased in the format. Dual-boot is possible, but it's also possible to screw up and delete everything.

If I were you, I'd get the LiveCD first, just to see what it's like, learn how to use it and then actually install it on your HD.

As for advantages... Let's see:

- Fight the evil Capitalist monopoly of Microsoft with a system that's both free and Free.
- Never fear viruses, spyware, hijacks and crackers.
- Get all of your software for free.
- Actually understand what your computer is doing.

 

Thanks dude, can u talk to me some more? or can u talk directly to me somehow?

This is what i want to know, can i have and access linux and windows on the same computer?

 

Sure. PM or MSN if you want.

If you want both Windows and Linux on the same computer, your options are as follows:

- Use a LiveCD (the safest and easiest option, but takes longer to load and makes saving configurations complicated).
- Configure a dual-boot (there should be instructions on the homepage of your distribution of choice, but like I said before - it's easy to mess things up).
- Install Cygwin on Windows (this will not actually install Linux, but will allow you to learn and use something like it on your Windows system).