I personally use Mandrake because I like the RPM system and it has a number of configuration tools that Redhat (which is what I used previously) is lacking in. It works and does everything I need it to, however sometimes Redhat RPMS will not work :(. By the way I completely use Linux for everything, yes even work.

The linux documentation project, LDP is a great source of information. And Google is also a great friend when learning anything linux related.

Linux is easy and open. I suggest that you try it. If you have been told linux is hard, they were telling you FUD. A workstation install is simple, quick and easy. In fact I believe it is easier then Windows due to:

• Better driver support out of the box. Eg I didn't have to install VIA4in1 or Realtek NIC drivers. Even my NVIDIA card was supported, however no OPENGL without downloading the drivers from NVIDIA or purchasing the commerical Mandrake version (btw I recommend and use the powerpack edition for workstation installs)
• No installing programs individually
• Flexible. Not forced to install programs like chat programs (eg Messenger in XP) or browsers (IE in Microsoft) or even a GUI
• Choice. Okay to be fair this can make things a bit more confusing at first, because you don't know what to use. However, after you choose everything it is how you want it, not how Microsoft decided (I hate the XP interface even after reverting to the Classical theme and changing everything to behave like Classic)
• Only one reboot (once at the end of the install)

Additional, linux offers a number of UI improvements not seen in Windows (or Mac - not sure don't have access to a Mac OS). Checkout GNOME 2 for example. Galeon the web browser has tabs (ie you can have multiple pages opened in one window) and configuration changes are applied on the fly.