What is the best opperating system for a personal computer?

I am considering Windows 2007 or Windows XP.

I would be interested in learning about Linux but I really know nothing about it. Any infornation would be appreciated.

Are there any other good opperating systems out there? What are the pros and cons of each. Please give me as much detail as you can but keep it relitively simple. I have a little more computer knowledge than your average person but I'm no techie.

The computer will be used mostly for school and entertainment purposes (music, gaming etc.) I want something that's fast and user friendly but has lots of capability.

The operating system is a second step. First you have to list the applications that you want to use your PC for and how much are you will to pay.

If you are using it for home use and you want something simple yet brilliant go with Mac OSX Leopard if you can afford it.

If you are looking for something free and stable go with Fedora.

If you want to use it for office use go with Windows XP.

And a last tip don't consider Windows Vista at all :)

But I emphasize that you thing about how you are going to use you computer first.

Ubuntu is a very good place for you to start. They will send you a free CD just sign up for shipit. No cost to you at all! It can take a few weeks to get it but it will come right to your door.
Best thing is it is a live CD. This means that it will run from your CD-ROM drive so you can try it before you install it.

I would get Windows XP Professional.

I have always used Microsoft so I can't comment on none Microsoft operating systems but I WOULD NOT get Windows Vista. It is slow, takes up loads of space and causes problems.

Windows Vista is much better then the XP series. I use it and it's just some much more flexible and interactive.

I would get Vista, especially if you don't have a great amount of experience with an OS. Windows XP is currently more solid but, Windows Vista will be taking its place before too long.

Try Ubuntu. I like it and it's free.