For you? Probably nothing.

Linux is useful for people who want to have or do these things:

- Stable file servers and web servers (things a non-techy probably doesn't run).

- Extreme configurability and flexibility, right down to the ability to change the operating system by rewriting part of it if needed (again, things a non-techy probably doesn't need).

- Learning about computer programming (again, things a non-techy probably doesn't need, and which can also be learned on other operating systems).

- Extremely powerful network diagnostic and routing tools (again, things a non-techy probably doesn't need).

- The ability to solve your own problems if something goes wrong with your computer system (but which requires the requisite technical knowledge to solve).

- The ability to write your own versions of the operating system, modifying it to your whims to run on just about any kind of device you can imagine. For example, running on a new kind of in-dash car MP3 player that runs on a StrongARM processor.

Non-techies are usually happier with Windows and Mac OS, though, because a lot of the more complicated (and more powerful) stuff is hidden or nonexistent.

However, there's nothing wrong with trying out Linux just to see if you like it. There are even versions of it which will boot from a CD-ROM and run without even needing to partition your hard disk or modify your computer in any way.