Better, always begs the question, better for what purpose.
As for the facts, Linux is a more popular OS is it runs on embedded devices and servers. Most people have at least two Linux machines in their home. (Their modem, and router)
Windows is the most popular desktop OS, but there are many other types of computers.
The big why of it is legacy applications. Windows was decisively first, people bought applications and hardware for windows and want to keep using that hardware. The next is people have spent a great deal of time learning how to use and troubleshoot windows just be having a windows computer. They don't was to spend to time to learn a new system.
Linux actually supports more hardware than any version of Windows, but just not necessarily the hardware the consumer may have bought off the shelf of a box store retailer in the past year. However support now is better than it's ever been and is improving with increased manufacturer support. Careful shopping nearly eliminates the issue.
Linux supports a great deal of portable API specifications for software, but it is a bit of a chicken and egg problem. Developers don't develop if there aren't consumers there, but you can't get a lot of consumers there until you have a wide variety of development to choose from. However emulation layers are improving, and more developers than ever are targeting a Linux platform.
As for distros, there are several that are well-tested and stable. But on the flip side it is an advantage. There are a lot more options available to suit a person's needs. Many of the distro's are commercial and put together by paid developers who are very good at their job.
The Live account is just a way for Microsoft to spy on you, whatever you do and wherever you go, but if you must have it you can sign onto it's services from Linux.
And yes customer service is harder to find for linux, but customer serviceability is highly increased. Users are more empowered to customize and change their systems as they see fit.
Right, but we know you are biased, as you gloss over the advantages of linux.
1. Freedom and customization. There is no lock-in, no artificial restrictions of features, and anything can be changed given you have enough knowledge and time to do it, or pay someone who does. How the pieces go together are more easily seen and manipulated, so you can also learn more about computers simply be virtue of using one than is possible with closed sources like windows.
2. Cutting edge features are often available first on Linux as a development cycle is measured in months rather than years.
3. Performance... can extend the life of old hardware while using secure up-to-date software, can choose lightweight and faster components of the desktop, and tweak performance in many subtle and interesting ways.
4. Stability. Not just up-time and the additional robustness of open code, but the fact drivers are in the kernel tree, meaning if it was working with an open driver before a major upgrade it will almost always be working after. Fewer updates require reboots, and some system don't require a reboot at all to complete routine upgrades (for a potential of up to 7 years fully upgraded continuous run-time of a server).
5. Package management. You can install, manage, and upgrade most of your applications with a single other application, saving time and headache. I also insures trusted sources are used as an additional layer of security.
6. Trust. Code you can trust, because it trusts you.