Linux is only good with a good WINE addon... all by it self, you're pretty screwed... as for server applications, only individuals and some small companies use Linux, everyone else uses Win2K server or Win2K3 cuase its way more functional in most applications. I'm not sayin that Linux is garbage, but its not for the layman and its def not for the home user unless they need access to the kernal directly. If you want graphics, mac or Win will do fine, if you want vid edit, go mac, if you want gaming and i-net, go Win...if you never owned a PC, I have a commadore 64 that might interest you, else, take a class... NEVER BUY A PC FROM A STORE W/O DOING YOUR HOMEWORK, likewise, dont use Linux unless you know what you're doing, it may look user friendly, but no one and their mom supports it, so you're on your own in most cases...
PS: Homebuilding a PC is the way to go... Dell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, etc all put the cheapest (and often most defective) parts in their PCs... Dell doesnt even use screws in their PCs... I've built 3 for home, and a few others for friends, all running like champs (except my dads, but that was my bad...) and all running Win2K or XP, even thou i hate MS