Hello All,

I like this forum btw, and have only been lurking for about a day.

Recently I purchased some new hardware (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ and a Asus K8V Deluxe Motherboard), and I want to find an OS that can take advantage of the 64 bit processor.

Basically, what are the differences between Linux and Unix...ie. Cost, Ease of use, power, flexibility etc?

I've never used a Linux/Unix system but have heard the only limitation is the user. Also, I believe grasping it may come a little easier for me since I started programming back in the Win 3.1 days, and used XTree Gold for file management instead.

My programming experience isn't as deep as it is broad. I don't know too much about any one language, but am more comfortable with C++ and its anal-like syntax. (COBOL is a nightmare to me!!) I know about 9 different languages, so being subjected to new material is not anything out of the ordinary to me.

So here's my mission: Find a 64 bit OS that doesn't cost anything, deploy it onto my system, learn it, worship it, and break free from billy-boy Gates and his certificates.

FYI I do most of my work with databases and report generating. Some application development, and a little HTML as well, if this has anything to do with the perfect operating system for me.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Jon