Advantages of Linux OS over Windows, for a beginner?

[Hessian]

Everyone always talks about Ubuntu particularly, and I was just wondering what the advantage of an OS such as this is over Windows? What gain is there? I have no experience what so ever with these types of OS so any information is good. I've requested a free CD of Ubuntu so Im assuming I could have dual boot, will I need to reformat my OS hard drive if I want to install Ubuntu as well as my current Windows OS?

Thanks in advance,
Hessian [Chris]

 

[Hessian]

Thanks for the link and the info

No, it can repartition your HD and place itself in the space it creates

Does it do this automatically, if I just download it will I need to burn to a disc and boot from disc or will it do everything for me automatically from Windows?

 

[Hessian]

Oh k, thanks for the review, I'm not going to be rushing in to this any time soon, just thinking for the future maybe.