What do you think about Linux systems?

Hmm... maybe I should actually give it a try?
How much time does the average user need to set up Linux?

It depends on the distribution. A simple Linux distribution like Ubuntu (or any of its derivatives - Kubuntu, Xubuntu) can be set up in less than an hour - faster than XP. And you're less likely to have any driver issues. The only thing is, for Nvidia or ATI Radeon video cards, you'll need to install the drivers separately. They won't be included in the system because these cards require proprietary (closed-source) drivers, and this is prohibited in some countries. But these drivers are even easier to install than in Windows - the system will ask you if you want to install them. Also, the interface will initially be in English - the system will ask if you want to localize it if you chose Russian during installation.

Of the Ubuntu family, Kubuntu has the most advanced interface (the KDE graphical environment), while Ubuntu itself uses GNOME (also a serious graphical environment) - but both of these environments require quite a few resources (but not more than Vista :D). Xubuntu has the XFCE interface - a very lightweight, fast, and user-friendly interface.
And there's also Fluxbuntu (Fluxbox) - this is for those who want a very fast system, but you'll have to configure and install much more than in other systems in this family - it's good for getting to know Linux in more detail, because you'll have to do a lot of things yourself.
In any case, you can even install all these environments on one system and choose any of them when logging in, and also use applications from one environment while working in another.
There's also something called window and desktop animation - Compiz, Beryll. Windows users definitely haven't seen anything like that - the animation effects in Vista don't even come close. Burning flames or, for example, "rubber" windows - can Vista do that?

P.S. And for the truly hardcore, there's the path to "Slackware" or "Gentoo" :D - but it's only suitable for those who won't be discouraged by searching the internet for solutions to problems and reading a lot of information - but there, your imagination will have plenty of room to run wild :smile04:.