I've been considering using linux and if I don't like it switch back. Of course I have some questions.

1. I've never connected to the internet w/o my sbc yahoo dsl connection manager. How would I connect without this or can I use it in linux?

2. Will all of my files and what not be deleted when I install Linux?

3. Will I need a whole bunch of special programs for linux? Will gimp work? Can I still do stuff like listen to music?

4. Do I need a c++ compiler in linux?

and lastly

5. Will linux work on a mac? Can you still use mac programs?