There are plenty of Linux magazines in the US--just go into any Borders or Barnes and Noble bookstore. Also, you can subscribe to them from Amazon. I recommend Linux Format (actually a British mag, but they sell it in the US).

Wow... i can't imagine anywhere in the US where there is no linux magazine let alone no computer magazines :-)

If you have any type of book store around you should find something.

Another suggestion is to google for a linux "club" in your area. Most places have at least some presence of one. There you may be able to find someone to burn you a distro of your choice.

If you want to try Fedora get the latest Fedora unleashed book, they come with a full distro of FC. The latest is FC4.

I feel you pain on the download. I used to live in a real small town in PA with only dial up. The above things worked for me to get into linux at the time.

IM not sure. I have never seen one...ever!