Why I'm here! I'm tired of Windows! Is Linux my answer?
 

Is there any software that will check my system and verify Linux compatibility? Or will I need a list of compatible equipment? Thank for being here!

you can try linux without installing it with unetbootin and usb key.

Welcome to LQ!

If your system can run Windows successfully, then most of linux distro will be compatible to your system. But let's know what are your system's H/W specifications.

You can also appear for this test here, so it will give your few recommendations, and on basis of those recommendations you can choose your desired distro.

There is a HW Compatibility list here http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/ :)
You should probably try a few LiveCD distros; these are versions of Linux distros that run purely from the CD/DVD and do not install on your HDD.
Some Live CDs do offer an install option, but in any case, they are a good way to test your HW.
You can see www.distrowatch.com for a long list of distros; normally ex-MSwin users are initially directed to MS alike distros like Mint.
This reduces the shock :) see http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

Hi and welcome to LQ!
As said by chrism01 you can try a live distro, so you don't need to install it.
Anyway you should have no problem with userfriendly distro, as Ubuntu/Mint/Fedora.

Regards

Usually apps on windows will not run on linux, so you either need to find a counterpart (like MS Office - libreoffice), or run it under wine - or you must use windows. Usually the hardware is ok, it was explained already.

This is a good place to see what software exists and what are the Linux equivalents to various Windows items:
http://linuxappfinder.com/

Try a few live systems to see how you like their look and feel. Unlike Windows, you get to choose the GUI:
http://www.renewablepcs.com/about-li...-gnome-or-xfce

Good choices for the beginner are Fuduntu or Mint for Gnome/Mate, PCLinuxOS for KDE, and ZevenOS for Xfce.

Welcome!

This website also has alternatives to commonly used software:

http://alternativeto.net/

Hello

Unless your hardware was released only in the last couple of months, I'd be very surprised to find that it's not compatible with Linux. Even then, the kernel will likely include updated drivers for your hardware very soon. The best test is to try it as suggested by others above, especially since it doesn't cost anything other than some of your time and a blank disk or two for creating any installation disks.

Good luck, and do let us know how it goes.