I'd like to apologize to the XP user for the tine of my last message

As Craig pointed out, it may have been construed as 'derogatory' (the reference to 'Windoze' as opposed to 'windows').
This could prove counter-productive...
If I came across a bit strong, it was not my intent

So here is the long & the short of it.
win licensing is a nightmare. Best just get an old box with a licence & fly with that.

For distro's, go to www.distrowatch.com
This is the be-all & end-all for distro's, and here you can pick & choose from many, MANY distro's, fOSS  & commercial.
Even listing for retail suppliers of disks.

Go with a "LiveCD" (or a liveUSB if you want) to non-destructively try the system(s) before committing. Make nifty gifts too.
Go to ubuntuforums.org for 90% of you Linux (any distro) questions. Resource & links are comprehensive, most users aren't as abrasive as myself, and turnaround time is usually very quick.
Just be sure to do a search on a topic before asking a question that's been covered many time before.

If all else fails, bring your kit to an "install-fest" @ your next gLUG meeting, when & wherever that happens.

BTW. check the channels to see about the upcoming SoftwareFreedomDay.org on the 20th Sept. That may also be a very good time to get i's crossed  & t's dotted

---

Post, blog and share your world with your family and friends - Windows Live Spaces, sharing your life just got easier! Go to your free Windows Live Space now Click here!