Is Linux for me?

Only you can answer this question. Linux is a mature, powerful, secure and extremely versatile UNIX−like operating system. The power and versatility come with a price−−you may need to be computer−literate in order to set−up and maintain Linux. Linux is relatively easy to use once the operating system and applications are set up properly. So, your mother will also be able to use Linux, if you set up an easy graphical account for her and put the proper icons/menus on her GUI desktop. Linux is secure, so your mother will not be able to damage the system no matter how hard she tries−−unless it's with a hammer :−) .
Linux is quite different from MS Windows, so do not expect that if you can get around MS Windows, Linux will be straightforward for you. You may need to learn. On the other hand, if you come from UNIX, Linux will be easy for you. If you don't know much about computers or you don't enjoy them, chances are Linux administration is not for you. If you don't know your hardware, Linux installation may be a challenge.

Fundamentally, why Linux?

If you truly enjoy working with computers, Linux is the operating system of your dreams. It is more fun than any other computer
operating system around. However, the reason why Linux is truly revolutionary is that it is Open Software. Our science and
technology works owing to the free availability of information and peer review. Would you fly a plane that was based on secret
"science" and an unreviewed design, a plane at the internals of which nobody but the manufacturer could look? Then why would you
trust a computer program containing secret parts and algorithms? Open−source Linux is ideally suited for a mission−critical
application−−its security and power are based on robust solutions which anyone can view, criticize, or improve on. It is the
implementation of the scientific method in computing.