Riley: For immediate ease of use Suse, Mandrake, Xandos, and Lindows are what you want.

However, these are dumbed down version of Linux for Window wannabes. The Debian based distros are initially more difficult ,particularly in gettingyour  hardware to work. If you persevere and get to know the 'inner' workings of Linux then there are a whole host of distros that you can modify for you own particular needs.

I would suggest you dual boot one of the named dosros above with your Window OS or run Linux on a second box.

There are now a number of 'live' CD where upon you can run Linux without putting anything on your hard drive. Koppix is very good for this but Mandrake and either Lindows or Xmandros also have these discs.  This may be your best first approach.

There are many Linux sites and forums full of useful documentation and howtos. Unfortunately the information need to run a full scale linux system is scattered all over the net unlike Windows where it is collated by one company.

I believe that over the next few years Linux will find a place a many desktops and systems, so good luck with your exploration.

Richard Innes
Auckland New Zealand
[log in to unmask]

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com