Linux does not require a very powerful computer. I am running Red Hat 6 on a 100 MHz Pentium and it runs just fine. Therefore, you do not have to spend a lot of money for a computer to install linux on. Linux is really not that hard to install, you just need some basic information such as the type of video card and monitor you have, It's as easy to install as Windows is. Linux seems very intimidating the first time you use it, and I would recommend getting a good book or finding some documentation online. I have found that once you learn how to use linux, it is quicker and easier than Windows.