For those of you unfamiliar with Linux and free software, lots of interesting information can be found online which will explain things in more detail. But if you want a quick hands on introduction I would recommend that you download a Live-CD image of one of the two main cutting edge Linux distributions, namely Fedora or Ubuntu. You will then be able to test Linux out from CD without having to install anything on your PC.
I’m a big supporter of the Linux and free software communities, and in keeping with the charitable attitude you often find amongst people who participate in these communities, I also like to give whatever I can back to the community.
I’m lucky enough to work with Linux both as a hobby and as an occupation, and I’m constantly amazed by the pace of progress. Linux on the desktop is looking slick and polished, and Linux on the server is continuing to build upon its reputation as a secure, high performance operating system.