The biggest advantage is that you are not getting ripped off by all and sundry
for the softwqare that you use, because it is FREE. To me it has a much
pleasanter feel than Windows. Yes, you have to find and install the FREE
software to do the different things that you want to do on your computer, but
once this is done, life is much sweeter.

There is a whole host of knowledge out there both individually and from groups
to help you.

I am just a simple pc owner. Play a few games keep a few
records, store a lot of pics of the family. I guess I am just wondering will I
be limited to only programs that run on Linux base or restricted from using any
Windows programs. Also existing hardware usage. Do they operate with Linux?
Such as printers and scanners. Will my camera be able to download to programs I
now have. Things like this are what I am wondering about. I see all positive
about Linux but not much for the simple home pc user. I agree not to line the
pockets of the Gates of the world.

I would suggest that you persevere with Ubuntu. It will be very hard for you to
get into, I don't lie to you about that, it was for me, but when you find the
programs from the repositarys in the program and you get more proficient with
it, you'll wonder why you didn't have it long ago.

Yes, certain printers do not work with it but add ons are being done everyday,
so who knows what is round the corner. My camera work immediately, so I don't
think you will have much trouble.

I would suggest you get a CD copy of Ubuntu and run it so that you can
try it before you install it. This will load and run fully in memory.
Then when happy just click the icon to load fully. You can dual boot
with your current system, either XP or Vista or if brave have it delete
the whole drive and clean install. It is likely to run most of your hard
ware at once but Linux drivers are readily available. It comes with Open
Office and lots of other software that you may well find are equal to
MS. Later you will find out that some things are compatable.

Main advantages - less resource hungry, more stable, more secure, a huge
and constantly expanding range of FREE applications that will (or at
least should) do everything you want/need, a very friendly and
knowledgeable community who will help you no matter how daft you may
think your problem is, vastly cheaper ;-)

Main disadvantages - poorer (but improving rapidly) hardware support,
poor support from the commercial software houses (but this can be
overcome to some extent by running Windows programs within Wine)

I switched from Windows to Linux two years ago and have *never*
regretted the move.

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
I do not need to say any more!

What program? You didn't list any...................