Hello everyone! :) New to the forums here, and I would like some input. I have been told a lot about Linux, Ubuntu specifically from friends and family, a lot of them suggested I should make the switch, and well, here I am beginning my research :)! I am quite familiar with PCs, especially when it comes to hardware, but less so when it comes to software. I personally use my desktop (built myself less than a month ago) for school work, and gaming. Hardcore gaming to be more specific :P. My schoolwork is usually done through office, which should be no problem since I can use Openoffice on Linux, but I also do lots of programming, python anyone? :) I also use it for watching movie/anime/series that I download. Examples for some games I play:- * CoD4 MW2 [Steam] * Team Fortress 2 [Steam] * Dragon Age: Origins * Mass Effect 2 * Heroes of Newerth Note: I also took a distro quiz, and here are my results:- * 100% Linux Mint * 100% Mandriva * 100% Kubuntu * 100% Ubuntu (The only one I've been told about/ familiar with name) * 100% Opensuse A brief over-view of my PC's components:- * CPU: i7 930 @4.0 Ghz * GPU: Ati Radeon 5970 * RAM: Corsair Dominator 6GB * Lite-on CD/DVD drive * WD Caviar Black 1TB HDD [x2] My questions:- 1) What will Linux/Ubuntu provide me that Windows 7 will not? 2) Will installing Linux/Ubuntu enable me do what I do on my PC? Game/Study/Surf Web? 3) I don't mind troubleshooting and all, but would the experience be as if I were building something from almost scratch? 4) I'd rather not going into command prompts. Is this possible while installing Linux? 5) Can I achieve overclocking with Linux? Or do I have to go back to stock settings? 6) Will I be gaining any ground in performance while playing games for example? Many many thanks in advance guys! :laugh: Cheers, Mass