Ok in answer to some and thanks to dan.
1)
. i know linux exists and it is probably the way foreward but that is about it.
2)
hardware i will be using on is a quirky old pII 55o hewlett packard with a funny chipset that wil not accept xp
3)
i wish i knew i think of myself a s a bit of a windows gur who has just had enough and needs to stay ahead of the game.
4).
o in other words total linux newbie but with enough sense to ask and an other machine running win to get help.
Many thanks to all
Kevin