HI Bruce from Central PA

I have never used Unix but am sick of Microsoft so want to learn it.

I use to own a computer store front and training center and stated our with Atari, Commodore and the 1st PC and MS/DOS then Windows

BUT sick of Microsoft controlling the computer industry.

SO have a few questions what is the most common version of Unix I want to download and install onto one of my computers and start learning it.

I have retired and just use my computers for the RV club I have and keeping information and running an RV club message base and two web sites I have.

1.One big question is I use DAILY my Verizon Internet Aircard to get on the Internet. This Verizon software runs under all Microsoft Windows 98,XP and Vista will it work using the Unix operating system?

2.I have a huge database with Microsoft Access I can convert it to Dbase will it still work with something in Unix

3.I have some other programs I use that run in windows will they work?

Since I still have three computers I can continue to use windows and figure this out but thought maybe someone could answer these questions for me.

I saw where a Unix user group had meetings on Eisenhower Blvd in Harrisburg PA now I can't locate that date no time anyone know of this meeting?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions I appreciate it.

Sincerely

Bruce