>>I'm really not sure why you have such a hard time with Linux (you have reported it many times) - most don't.

I downloaded and installed the latest Ubuntu desktop last week. Much easier than it used to be. IMHO there's more than a few people out there loading Linux onto retired Windows PCs that suddenly have value again once Linux is loaded.

Maybe people here want to try it- you can burn the iso onto a CD and convert most old machines to linux with ease. Newcomers will be surprised by what gets installed by default and at no cost (including antivirus, multiple browser options, email and office suite) and what you can choose to include during installation. After that you can add MythTV and a Hauppauge card for a fully fledged HTPC and HTPC server for other devices, all on a device you'd never consider for a new Windows install.