You can salvage some of your files by popping in a bootable Ubuntu LiveCD. Linux should be able to recognize your HDD, and you'll be able to save your things to some portable storage device. I'm not sure whether or not a virus will actually follow that information -- but this is worth a try (linux's performance will be unaffected by the virus, but you should be wary if you wish to reinstall Windows). Furthermore, the LiveCD is a portable version of Ubuntu that allows you try out the general feel of the OS without actually installing it, so if you're considering linux, there you go.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

If Ubuntu does not recognize your HDD, you can also use this software, which should allow you to do the same thing. It's not a LiveCD of an OS or anything, just the stuff that you need to access your drive and save your crap.

http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page

Of course, you'll need to use a friend's computer to burn these to a blank CD. You'll also have to find some program that'll allow you to convert an .iso image to a bootable CD.

http://www.nero.com/enu/promo-buy-nero8-ultra.html?NeroSID=7205da4ebea9bc0edb11e7576dc8439b

Now, with regard to linux itself, yes, it's a bitch to figure out. I still don't understand how programs/packages work, etc. And yes, the file structure is horribly disorganized. Which is why installing things without helper programs like Synaptic is impossible for the newer user. The only reason why I use Linux is because Windows sometimes ran so goddamn slowly that MS Word took 5 minutes to load (of course, I reinstalled windows etc don't have this problem anymore). Wholly, the operating system is very stable, and I can rely on it to perform these basic functions beautifully. But when it comes to music playback, etc, there's a sort of...learning curve, per se. Thankfully, most google searches can help you troubleshoot problems, and you can also ask us Ubuntu users questions, too. (although I'd be a horrible person to ask...)

At any rate, if you ever consider linux, try to dual-boot with Windows. This way, you have the stability of the linux OS (schoolwork, etc), and you can still play your good ol' windows games/programs. If you follow this route, you'll also need to know how to partition your drive, etc. This program will allow you to wipe out your old OS and partition it accordingly.

http://gparted.sourceforge.net/

I hope all of this helps.

I think people are just sick of others getting on their high horse when they shouldn't be and imposing linux on people. A lot of manufacturers don't have linux drivers for their hardware and most people expect you to use windows anyway. By using linux you would sacrifice the ability to play games meant for windows, so suggesting linux on a site called GAMING WORLD is a pretty bad idea imo.

Depends. If you use WINE, you can play a majority of the things that windows can. Keyword is ´majority´ here, lol.
I actually use WINE to do rm2k3 stuff, and once you´ve spent several hours figuring out how to get ubuntu studios to work, and spent a few hours feeling dumb after figuring out how easy it is, you´ll find that you´ve got a very capable computer for making music, editing videos/images, and even(BUDGET) gaming.(I have a separate computer for gaming, though. ATI fanboy :3...)

But yeah, I´ll have to agree with a bunch of things you guys said. If you´ve got windows and don´t intend to spend a few hours figuring out individual things, then keep it. Meh, late post >.>

Edit: Oh I love posting and later realizing how old the dates are...