If you are looking to use an alternative to Windows then Linux is proving to be very popular. This series looks in to testing, setting up and using Ubuntu.
The French Government is attempting to curb piracy, illegal downloads etc. New laws have been introduced and more are on their way. Here are a selection of most relevant postings. In case you are not aware, I believe in net neutrality and net freedom. Downloading copyrighted material can and does hurt business but there is more than one way to deal with it.