text: is linux suitable for first time (elderly) computer user? if so, which distribution would you recommend? (given the fact that you would be the first they call with problems) ubuntu is a great way to go. it is free, and they will even send you free cd's if you can't download it for some reason (if you are asking a question here, i assume you are already online). for me, the best part of ubuntu is the community. there is a great community of people from around the world, that are very polite and always happy to help answer any questions that you may have: http://www.ubuntuforums.org  even though ubuntu is currently on version 5.1 (breezy badger), http://ubuntuguide.org which was written for version 5.04 (warty warthog), is still a great guide that is very helpful as well.  the synaptic package manager makes it very easy to install additional programs, and most of them are free.  there is a live cd (which runs from the cd), if you would like to try it without having to install it to your hard drive first: http://mirror.mcs.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso/5.10/  give it a try, i am sure that you will like it. i installed ubuntu as a dual-boot about 5 months ago, and i finally removed windows about two months ago. i am here to stay.