Newbie Question

[Iceman]

Hi all never used or even seen linux before, But what im thinking is, Is there any advantage to using Linux over windows?
I mean i know windows is a nice looking operating system but other than that is there anything else??

Any help would be great thanks

 

[Iceman]

If im honest i use it for.
Internet general surfing
Email
Msn sometimes
Sometimes word documents
Spreadsheets
Burning the odd cd

Thats all i can think of at the moment

 

[Iceman]

I dont game anymore on pc's well infact i got rid of all my pc's and use a laptop due to only ever doing the basics on the laptop like listed above.
With linux can i still use my external hard drives adn usb sticks?

Sorry for all the newb questions but i have never used or even seen linux before.

 

[Iceman]

Yeah its going to be on my laptop
Just looking at maybe trying something that does'nt use as much resources as windows