Actually the government fighting it's self is called politics. It's at least as hard as keeping Windows stable, and is equally susceptible to stupid user syndrome. Sadly there is no easy solution to that problem like running Linux.

Install noscript, and use it to turn off plug ins except where you want them. My computer is set with a default deny policy for browsing the internet. I have noscript, I block everything untrusted, including flash and iframe, I also have CookieSafe, and I block all cookies except those I want, and I have adblock plus to block all adds, and malicious tracking sites. NoScript will block almost all active content in Firefox. If that's not good enough install Opera, and configure it how you want it (Opera is easier to configure to block all content than Firefox).

You can always install Linux. That'll give you better security then taking your XP box off-line and transferring data with a flash drive.

I use a default deny policy when browsing the internet. There are only a few sites that have any business running scrips or giving me cookies. Everyone else is blocked.

Publications like Nature and Science are not peer reviewed journals.

The worst case scenario in Britain is you're back to square 1. You're logic is "then moving from square 1 is bad". The fundamental problem with the British medical system is that it's underfunded, but we already pay way more than they do.

The seeing people again part, having them recognize your face, being able to fact check other people's statements (by mutual friends). Being able to touch each other (for better or worse); you can be hurt if you start a fight, or get arrested, and you can have sex, have a child. The internet is not the real world.

He needs something that will install from a flash drive. Is there a Gentoo USB live disk setup program?

Then get a Mac. It's still a Unix kernel, and it just works.

I used to use Stardock windowblinds before I switched to Linux, it does a nice job of jazzing up XP.

I'm as strong of an Obama supporter as they come, but nothing in that comment was directed at Obama, nor was it racist. "The man" can mean corporations was well as the government.

You have to be kidding me. Ubuntu is butt ugly out of the box. In fact Ubuntu is so ugly I'll change the theme on a live disk.

Ubuntu wouldn't read my flash drives, or connect to a wireless B network (and they have one at a cafe I like). I have no problems with Fedora, and I'm much happier with it.

You can fix the 800x600 problem with

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

in terminal. GParted isn't automatically installed on Ubuntu, you have to install it from the repository. Use the "Add/Remove Software" utility to search for it, and install for it.

Windows is far from easy to use too. The only idiot proof OS is Mac.

The worst thing healthcare information will be used for is insurance companies discriminating against people who are sick.

Install Linux or XP (the extra $35 for crossover office is worth it, if you need office). Linux fixed that problem on my laptop. I bought this laptop for school, I didn't want or need flashy graphics, or anything beyond basic computer functions, and I didn't want to carry anything else around or pay for it.