If you are a tech tinkerer at heart, have some free time on your hands, and embrace the sweat and tears that accompany a challenging project, perhaps you've contemplated setting up a Linux system at home.

You're not alone. Countless PC Magazine readers have told us they're curious about the Windows-free, open-source way of computing. But turning an old PC into a Linux box from scratch can be daunting, and the benefits of having one are debatable.

On the plus side, Linux appeals to those tired of the security woes that plague Microsoft Windows and, of course, to those interested in sampling thousands of free apps. As Linux is free, you won't be encumbered by potential software-licensing frustrations. It attracts developers in particular because of the plentiful development tools that are both powerful and free.

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