need xp to Linux migration advice

Hi All,

I need the group's advice.

I am in a situation where I need to create a safer environment than that provided by anti-malware, firewall, and common sense. I am dealing with someone whose judgment was impaired following a serious injury. He is currently using M$ XP-Pro-SP2.

My first thought was to toss everything out and replace it with an Apple. But that is on the expensive side. Then my thought turned to Linux. This would be a lot more economical. The problem is migrating to Linux from Windows. Here are my thoughts on the programs he uses and proposed alternatives (please comment as you see fit):

1) M$ XP-Pro-SP2. Sub Cent 4.1 reason: it is nice and stable. I use it on servers, so I am familiar with it

2) HP PSC 2510 all in one printer. He needs to print and scan. He fax's manually. His printer is skipping a column, so he would be amenable to a different brand

3) Fuji Fine Pix camera. Does Linux read this?

4) Picasa: sub gthumbs? I want to stay away from WINE, as he'd get that infected too.

5) Antivirus? Just in case?

6) love Filter?

7) Win Amp subsbreastute?

8) subsbreastute for AOL instant Messenger?

9) subsbreastute for AOL? I presume no AOL for Linux yet? Firefox on XP can read AOL's (web) mail. Can Firefox on Linux read AOL's mail?

Many thanks, --Tony