Linux
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Many people claim that Linux is an operating system for computer enthusiasts. Being one myself, I really can't personally disagree with that statement. I won't comment on the Windows vs. Linux battles that occur on forums all across the internet other than to say I use both and believe both to have their strengths. For editing of digital images, the Mac used to be the dominant platform. Coming from a mechanical engineering background and having limited funds when deciding to purchase/assemble my first computer, I never really considered the Mac. This was before Intel systems had the GUI interface that Macs did, and I always envied Mac's interface, but I always believed the price/performance ratio of the Intel-based PCs were greater. In some ways I still do, but I admire Apple for the true innovation they bring to the market. Someday I may own a Mac, but for now the Windows platform has the capabilities I need for image editing. I tried a few years ago using Linux with the GIMP for scanning and correcting negatives, but I soon realized that the Linux platform wasn't yet ready for prime time digital editing due to the lack of color management and limited support for printer drivers. To be completely fair, I've never tried to print a photo-quality image from Linux, and I know that the software and printer support has come a long way since I tried it, but many of the software packages used to calibrate peripherals still aren't available for the Linux platform. For the average user uninterested in calibrating their equipment and willing to live with slight color shifts, the Linux platform and it's image editing utilities may be perfectly acceptable.
So I don't use it for my desktop, so what good is it? If you intend to set up a home network with broadband access to the internet, Linux is able to shine as a gateway/firewall. This box can also be equipped with web and mail servers customized to suit your particular tastes. If I were younger and interested in learning to program, the open-source concept of both Linux and the many, many applications and utilities available for it would be and indispensable learning tool. In fact, I cannot see a better way for young children from a families with limited financial resources to learn skills that would help them get into lucrative careers. An older, used system and a connection to the internet combined with imagination and a will to learn are all that is really needed. The resources available online are staggering.
Below are copies of various Linux documentation found on the web. Since they are stored locally for my personal reference, some may be older than what is currently available elsewhere. In some cases I've provided a link next to the maintainers site.
These pages provided by Stephen Werst.