Ubuntu 14.04 LTS replace MS Win 8.1 - Security -With open source - you know upfront if there are are backdoors into your system. Your OS can be, and is, inspected by the os community and repaired as needed continuously. Everything is well documented. As or if exploits are found they are repaired immediately. Threat of viruses is virtually eliminated by the community of users.. Ubuntu 14.04 an estimated 99.9% of the applications are free. Or even if you choose the connivance of a professionally made DVD/CD the cost is virtually minimal. Don't be fooled by the years of hype either - the ubuntu community has well over 40,000+ and growing professional applications. Many of which work seamlessly with the more main stream high dollar marketplace applications.. Privacy - Security - Even if a loophole is found it will be fixed nearly immediately leaving this OS virtually virus free/proof. Gamers - Again Ubuntu is ready for you as Steam has made it to the Linux world. As an add on Steam is available to all linux.. Perhaps more to the point... Ubuntu is safe..