Only for those willing to spend time with it. Basically it is a network OS that is considerably cheaper than its peers.
Yes, many versions are available free over the Internet but all require some level of technical skill to get the system serving its purpose.
Having said that, a basic Linux system (eg RedHat 6.x or Caldera 2.x) comes with a word-processor and many utilities for networking, Internet, spreadsheets and graphics. StarOffice from Sun Microsytems is available free as a (large) download and produces output that is compatible with other Office applications from Lotus and Microsoft. Corel has ported many of its existing applications to Linux, including its own Office Suite
Linux exists in many different versions and is able to run software that has been granted a GNU General Public License and therefore is available free of the usual premium costs.
Linux can work well on older machines (compatibility of components is possible through added modules that can be found on the Internet through Linux Hardware Help Site and can take the role of an Email server very ably.
Computers are complicated beasts and generalisation is dangerous. Manufacturers make many different models and usually modify the components they use through time. A good computer will consist of quality (usually branded) components that work well together. Below is a guide to what the basic components are:
CPU - Central Processing Unit. Recogniseable due to its speed specification in MHz (Megahertz). This is the heart of the computer that determines how quickly it can operate.
Windows-capable machines range from old Pentium 75s up to 900 MHZ newies. Intel make Celeron and Pentium processors.
Motherboard - Basically, all components plug into this and communicate through the CPU. Connection PORTs (parallel, serial, USB) are attached to the board so that peripheral components may be added.
Video Adapter - determines the functionality of your visual settings with your monitor. Capacity measured in MB. (eg. 4MB)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - The physical storage space on your computer measured in GigaBytes (GB). Stores your Operating System, Installed Programs and any files you create. (Range new from 4GB to 30GB+)
Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) - Usually 1.4MB. a removeable storage disk useful for keeping copies of files for backup and travelling purposes. Most computers can read them.
Zip/ Jazz/ LSS/ Buzz/ Compact Flash/ Smart/ CDR/ CDRW Drive - A more capacious variant of the above. A relevant readng & writing device needs to be present on each computer you wish to use with it. Measured in multiples of their original reading and writing speed respectively. (eg. 24x,2x, 36x,4x etc)
CD ROM/ DVD ROM - Drives which can read information stored on CDs and DVDs respectively. Measured in multiples of their original speed. (eg. 24x, 36x etc).
Sound Card - Usually links to CD/ DVD ROM and sometimes bundled with a modem. Sound and Music can be heard through headphones or speakers. With an added microphone, speech and other sounds can be recorded.
RAM - Reader Access Memory. Provides your system with space to carry out its different tasks. RAM is used every time a file or program is opened. (Ranges from 32MB to 256MB).
BIOS - Basic Input/ Output System. This chip stores essential setup information for each computer. Is the first thing a computer accesses when it starts up. Different makes include Phoenix, Award etc and can usually be identified by the text that appears on the screen imediately you turn a machine on.
Add a mouse, keyboard, monitor and an Operating System (Windows, Linux) and you have a complete computer.
Certain hardware does not get with eachother well. A motherboard may well slow a system down, or poor RAM memory may not work properly. Using the wrong drivers for your setup may also affect performance. Download the latest from the manufacturers web sites.
Cheap components can also not perform as well as more expensive ones. I have a couple of old P100 Toshiba Laptops which knock the socks off a P200 laptop I also have simply because they are made up of components which get on well together.
Pentiums are more robust than Cyrix, AMD or Celeron chips but some chips are designed as low-budget and often differences will only be noticeable with graphics or multiple calculation-intensive applications.
You've seen them in the shops and may know the Microsoft/ Apple rivalry. Which one to choose is more a matter of practicality than conscience.
Mac Qualities
PC Qualities
One button Mouse
Two button Mouse
Specific OS and software to answer all needs
Vast range of OSes & software due to wide use in Homes/Offices
Internet/ eMail capable & multi-platform Networkable. Connectable to some handheld/ portable devices for basic file sharing.
Internet/ eMail capable & multi-platform Networkable. Connectable to all portable devices for synchronisation & backup.
Graphics/ Publishing speed is excellent - some industry standard applications only exist for MacOs
Versatility is excellent - most applications exist for the Windows platform
Some bespoke peripherals. USB now universal.
Compatible with most hardware, making peripherals cheaper.
This debate will rage for ever. Both systems are excellent and will do the job. Although AppleMacs are renowned for their tendency not to crash as much as Microsoft Windows. Good software can convert files from one compatible format to another. It is best to make a decision based upon what applications you need to run. Publishers/ Artists favour Macs. Sometimes offices only buy PCs because they are familiar with them. Always consider the use the computer will be put to and how easy it will be to communicate right throughout your organisation and with your trading partners.