graeme_p - 7:42 am on Dec 24, 2012 (gmt 0)

I do not advise using Linux for your desktop unless you are an expert level Linux person, or you buy harware that has Linux desktop preloaded.

Expert is an exaggeration: reasonably familiarity is all that is required.

You also fail to mention a third option: get someone to install it for you. It is not difficult to find someone to do the install and config for you, perhaps even free through a Linux user group.

I would buy hardware with Linux pre-loaded, but its not available where I live.