[PLUG] Dilemma

[Charles Fultz]

Okay, I have a machine (PentiumMMX 200) at home that I'm going to give
to my parents.  It currently has WindowsME installed is working
reasonably fine with no hitches... yet.

However, I hate helping people with Windows machines/problems/catastrophes.
I'd REALLY rather install Linux (or FreeBSD) on this machine (to bring
out it's true power).  For me, it's a lot easier to take care of and manage.

But, my parents already know Windows and basically have come to rely
on some it's "features" (*cough* bugs).  I don't know how willing they
would be to learn a new OS/desktop environment.  But really in the
end, all they want is a machine that works (ie. word processing,
printing capabilities, a few games, CD/MP3 player, etc.).

Here is a Pros-and-Cons list of having Windows on the machine:
Windows Pros
------------
They already know Windows.
My mom is accustomed to MSOffice (which she wants)
It's a _bit_ easier for them
Loads of software

Windows Cons
------------
It sucks (buggy, flaky, unreliable, you know the whole bit)
I, personally, hat administering Windows machines
Since I'll be the techie/admistrator for the machine, and I don't
      follow Windows security advisories or patches, I don't know
      when to update things
Very prone to irritating viri
_Very_, VERY easy for them to screw things up!
Did I mention that windows is unreliable and unpredictable?
Most software is not free

Here is a Pros-and-Cons list for Linux/*BSD:
Pros
----
I know it much better than Winders
Easier administration
Tons of free cool software (with source!)
Pretty good MSOffice clones (OpenOffice, Applixware, WordPerfect, etc.)
Tons of great FREE support (USENET, Web, IRC, mailing lists, etc.)
Reliability

Cons
----
A new OS/interface to learn
Lack of software (I know I listed the opposite in the cons list, but
     I'm sure that if I install Linux, they'll come home one day with
     some software for Winders)
More calls to me concerning them not understanding something about Linux


Well, I'd love to hear some suggestions from the crowd.
Help me out here:  Which should I go with?

Thanks,
Charles Fultz
fultz