I am going to have another computer, and I don't to fork out $100 for another Windows XP, so I'm considering Linux. The computer will be used mostly for email, web browsing, and Simply Accounting. I won't be the one using it most of the time, it will be used by less computer literate people. I have never used any type of Linux before. So I have a few questions:
This computer will be connected to a Linksys broadband router network, including my Win XP computer, and printer. Will this work easily, are networks easy to set up, and can I quickly get the broadband internet working?
Is there any way to use Windows programs, like Simply Accounting, even Outlook Express, on Linux? This is important. And as an afterthought, can I play my games (NHL 2004 as an example) on Linux?
I have a hard drive I will be using, which already has XP installed on it - will I have to backup the files and format?
Are there any other things I should know, that I may not be considering?
Finally, which version should I get? All I need is something to replace Windows and be user friendly. I don't need to learn with this one, I can do that on my own. Can I get a version of Linux that looks like Windows, or are they all the same? I already have Lindows 4.5 full .iso by the way - I downloaded it for free one day, when they had a special on their website.
Thanks for any help!
