Here's a novel concept. Might desktop Linux on a laptop or PC actually be easier for a non-tech-savvy user to navigate than the seemingly simpler alternative?

Despite having a reputation as much too complicated for someone who might have trouble navigating, say, Outlook Express, Computer World says that's not the case.

Consider this one simple, non-disputable fact:

If you use a computer for e-mail and the Internet, and that's about it, Firefox, with GMail for e-mail, looks and works the same on both Linux and Windows.

Depending on what your Linux distribution is, you may want to add programs to provide full multimedia functionality, like Adobe Flash and/or VLC Media Player for DVDs.

But after that, you're pretty much good to go.

Now, if you're not to sure about how to install Linux yourself, you can just buy a Linux PC from Dell, which includes most multimedia extras, or a version from other reputable vendors. It even costs about the same or less than Windows.

Moreover, with Windows, you may constantly be patching and re-patching it to keep it safe. Especially if you're not a user familiar with installing upgrades.

With Linux, it's helpful to keep it up-to-date, but it doesn't matter as much if it's not. they don't. Not only is Linux more secure than Windows, almost all virus and spyware attacks are aimed at Windows, not Linux (or Macs).

If Linux became wildly popular, that could change. But for now, consider following in the footsteps of an increasing number of local Ft. Lauderdale computer repair experts and giving Linux a shot.