2. Security: I've never seen any malware on my GNU/Linux systems - since July 1999 when I first started regular usage with Slackware. In those nine years, I have cleaned dozens of Windows PCs for payment, and also free - for friends, and members of my family. In half these cases, there was so much muck that reformatting and reinstallation were the only solutions.

And don't forget spyware, adware, worms, viruses... what delight is next in the pipeline for Windows? Remember, all these irritants are NOT a feature of computer usage - they are exclusive to Windows.

In some settings, the use of USB sticks isn't possible due to security reasons. Only big organisations like the tax office can get this kind of feature in Windows - smaller bodies have to live with the security threat posed by these USB sticks. With GNU/Linux, anyone can turn off USB support. A number of remand homes have GNU/Linux systems precisely because this is possible.

3. Hardware integrity: unless you buy dodgy hardware. you have no need to bother about your PC while running GNU/Linux. But when you run Windows, the poor quality of the operating system does not stress test the hardware - you can be using bad RAM for years until you install GNU/Linux on the same machine. Bingo, it shows up immediately - and this is from personal experience.

4. Cost: GNU/Linux is free as in money. It is also free as in freedom. When you run Windows, you need dozens of additional programs that cost an arm and a leg. You get very little with the operating system.

As to the number of applications available for GNU/Linux, the Debian GNU/Linux archive has something in the region of 15,000 packages. Would that do for the average user? Oh, and lest I forget, there are dozens of other archives from which software can be downloaded as well.

5. Constant settings: Of course, you can buy a laptop and take your Windows settings with you. Incidentally, laptops aren't free. And you would have spent twice the time customising - once on your PC and once on your laptop. Or you can buy an USB stick - which isn't free either. So what are you - some kind of millionaire? What about poor Joe Bloggs who has just one PC that is five years old and has to share it with his wife, three kids and two cousins? Do they all share the same settings? That would be the best way to disrupt domestic harmony.

With GNU/Linux, that problem doesn't arise. Your settings are all in your home directory. No user can snoop on another - unless the administrator has given specific permission.