First off, I think this post belongs in the 'M$' section.
Second. Nothing can be 100% secure. BUT the reason linux will never see the state windows is in no matter how popular it gets, is because of the way it is designed.
in linux you can harden, controll services and even turn them off
You can modify check, recheck the source.
You can configure linux alot easier, without the OS becoming undone. Including Auto updates. Also it will stay together longer even if updates arn't being applied.
Patches are not only faster they are more stable. Not breaking the whole OS.
Its community based as well a lot of books are provided on the subject. So you don't need to take an MSCE or any other nonsense to use buisness aplications like running a web server, DNS etc etc...
You also don't need to call a support line and pay expensive bills.
All the moduals are built into the kernel. No more hunting around for that disk, for that certain drivers.
You can update and control indevidual applications and or customise your applications to your needs.
You can customize the GUI to your likeing! KDE, Gnomoe, Blackbox to name a few
Linux can run an older machines and you still have the latest software!
You don't have any hidden costs. Like unessessaraly upgradeing the hardware. Licenses ete etc....
Linux comes in all sorts of flavors to fit your needs.
Linux is more standerdized than windows. Applications that run on one version of linux will run on others, unlike windows. Programs that run of ME will have a hard time running on XP!
Linux can even run windows programs, MS Office, Kazaa Lite etc..........
And yes it IS more stabel and secure.
P.S. WinME will run fine if you increase the ram. The minimum for WinME is 128mb of ram NOT 64mb.
Same with XP. It will crash less if you have over a gig of ram, no less or you WILL have problems.