Linux is a great OS. It's speedy, reliable, and 99% bug free. I've got a copy of Mepis (a variation of Debian) installed on my "internet" PC, and it's great for surfing the web, handling email, watching movies, listening to music, and doing homework.

That, and the open repositories make it very easy to find and download new, free software; everything from mail clients to games. Upon download, the packages install themselves, so there's no fuss whatsoever.

I highly recommend setting up a Linux box solely for surfing the internet and doing normal home stuff.