Blimey, what is this? A Windows apologists' thread?
If you're interested in computers and how they work, use Linux. If you don't give a toss and want a hassle-free life, buy a Mac. Windows is a system born of a blinkered vendor in an era where security was never considered. Unix based systems (Mac, Linux) were designed to run in networked environments in true multi-user style. Despite numerous horrific layers of hacks and bodges, Windows still relies too heavily on "trust the user". Unix systems are more "!!!! that! Make him at least try and prove he knows what he's talking about before he does XYZ". Security need not mean inconvenience; unless you use Windoze, when it's neither secure not convenient. Yet the sheep blunder forth regardless....
Sheesh.