I'm still within my first hour of using Linux.

To give it a go I downloaded Knoppix LiveCD and I'm using it now.

The 'installation' took no time and I was on the Internet through my LAN connector very quickly - using Firefox/Thunderbird.

So that's all fine.

However (and theirs always one) the Koppix installation decided I had a 1024*768 screen whereas I have a 1280*768 wide screen and the LiveCD offers no alternative. Is it possible to find the appropriate screen driver (it's a recent Acer Aspire 5003 AMD 64 bit with SIS graphics) and where should I look!

If I can solve that little problem then I'll install the full version of Koppix..............and goodbye Seattle.

Try "knoppix screen=1280x768" without the "" at the boot prompt. More cheat codes here http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Cheat_Codes

Many thanks for the link. The 'cheat' worked first time!