>And I've heard good things about building my own computer, should I do that?

Yes.

>While I know nothing about computers, I spend a lot of time on them, and would like the best you guys can imagine.

I'd make sure you actually need that before you go out and spend several thousand dollars on a computer. What are you planning on doing that requires that kind of an investment?

>>2
I'm about to move out of my mom's house, and I can't bring the computer there.

>While I know nothing about computers, I spend a lot of time on them, and would like the best you guys can imagine.
For what use? Blindly spending money is a good way to get burned.
>I've heard good things about Linux, should I get it?
Again, it depends on your usage, but since you're asking it, consider setting up dual boot since it's easy and gives you both worlds to dick around in. Use Linux when you want to dick around, fall back on Windows when you need to get non-Loonix things done.
>And I've heard good things about building my own computer, should I do that?
Yes, it's easy and makes you learn about computers. You save money too.
>Also, is there a book I can read, preferably a .pdf, about how to start understanding computer hardware and software?
Just go browse the smorgasbord of resources, there's a metric assload of constantly updated resources. Logical Increments was created for people like you, while it's not 110% accurate on the small details, the underlying advice is solid and it outright encourages you to do your own research.

>For what use? Blindly spending money is a good way to get burned.
>>3

He means what the fuck do you do on your computer retard. If all you do is shitpost on imageboards then someone can tell you what you need to buy. If you want to play the next AAA games and render videos then someone can recommend how to get started holy shit no one cares where the computer is going to fucking be.

>>6
I watch torrented anime, play games, and shitpost.
Sorry for misunderstanding.

It's possible that some of the games you play will not run with Linux. That's an important thing to remember.

Also, there are literally hundreds of different types of Linux, so make sure you get the one that's right for you. For example, Gentoo would probably be a bad idea if you've never done this before. I've used CentOS, but that's more for office computers really.

What kind of games do you play? Brand new modern ones, or old ones that would run on a bad computer?

>>8
Some Steam ones, and some stuff like Planescape Torment.

>>9
Sounds like you probably won't need an absolute top-of-the-range super gaming PC then. Look at the minimum specifications for all the games you play, and then make sure your new PC is much, much better than that. Not only so you can play the games at an acceptably high setting, but also so you can play even more high-tech games that will come out in the future.

Do you plan to put a DVD drive in it? If you don't, you're really going to struggle to install all the drivers if you put the PC together yourself.

>>10
If it's a good idea, I'll put a DVD drive in it.

>>11
>>10
You don't actually need a DVD drive for installing your shit, chances are the included drivers are positively ancient and you're better off downloading them from the manufacturer pages to begin with. I'm making good use of my $30 DVD burner because I'm a giant music faggot who likes CD's, but even then I did the installation with a 8GB USB drive loaded with the installation image and the Ethernet driver, the first thing I did was installing Firefox and using that to download the newest possible drivers for everything else.

Just a bit of incite -- If you know absolutely nothing about computers, Linux probably isn't for you. I mean this in a way that's not supposed to be an insult to you. The reasons most people have for linux probably wouldn't be of much relevance to the average user.
And like others have mentioned, game compatibility is an issue.

Regarding building a PC I highly recommend it. The process is extremely straightforward. They're simple to install, the only part that requires research really is the compatibility for the initial purchase. There are many communities however who can help you out, this one included.