wanting to get into linux with my new asus 1000he
 

I just ordered a asus 1000he netbook (after returning the not so great acer aspire one) and I will be starting college for computer sciences this summer. Since i am finally getting back into the computer field I am wanting to get know linux. I hear Ubuntu is a great starter to work with. Though I am wanting to jump the gun and have something that is nice and allows me to really get to know linux. Pretty much jump in and start messing around. I am trying to find a good tutorial to use a dual boot on it that is aimed toward netbook installs. As I'm sure you all have heard this netbook only comes with xp and i've never done a dual boot b4. I tried looking for tutorials but they aim more at desktops than netbooks so i am hoping to find some help here and more help later on when i become more familiar with it. So any suggestion to a noob would be great. key factors. Also I really am only use to xp right now and and do want to keep both OS to make sure i can get my school work done. I'm pretty sure a teacher will eventually make me do a powerpoint so hehehe i would need windows i guess. But key factors i need help with follows

1) whats the best linux software to use for a noob like myelf
2) whats a good tutorial for doing a dual booting, has anyone done it for an asus 1000he and if you could walk through it with me I will worship you and make a statue in your honor! (not really but nice sentiment :) )
3) what are some good programs i should look into and books I should read.

oh and i've heard rumors that xp netbooks won't handle a 2 gb ram upgrade is that true?????

Dual boot

http://apcmag.com/popular_howtos.htm

The tutorial features installing Ubuntu, but is applicable to other distributions. Be aware that linux is different in structure, use and terminology. You might look at these.

http://www.linfo.org/newbies.html

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html

http://www.linuxcommand.org/

http://tldp.org/

http://goinglinux.com/articles/Resources.html

It is possible to make an installation quicker by installing a lighter version of linux or choosing another window manager. I believe there is a version of this machine with linux. That and google might be a good place to start.