dont know which version to install
 

I have Pentium III at 1ghz, an Nvidia Geforce 5500 Graphics card, and a SATA to PCI HDD Controller (by PPA Intl model# 1301) with an SATA Maxtor 100gb hard drive. I am absolutely disgusted by windows xp and I would like to Install Linux on my comp, I just dont now which version to install, please help me!!!!! I know i want to be able to upgrade my motherboard later so that I can play better games and I would like it to be as windows compatible as possible. If you could help me out it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Very much for all your help.

So have you never used Linux before? I would recomend an "easier" to use distro like Ubuntun or Fedora.

As far as upgrading goes that shouldn't be a huge problem when using Linux.

Just out of curosity, if your switching to Linux why does Windows compatability matter? Do you plan on dual-booting? Windows compatiability really shouldn't be an issue since almost all hardware manufacutures put out Windows drivers for the hardware they make (if they didn't they'd go out of business). Linux compatibility might be an issue with certian hardware, but your's shouldn't have that kinda trouble.

Other distros to try for newbies would be Mandrak, and Debian. Both of those are user friendly and stable.

Most of us are. :)

What your asking (correct me if I'm wrong) is what distro to install?

Its a common question, and here is the common answer:
Its all up to you. Sure, I'd probably recommned Slackware, and someone else
would recommend Fedora, or Suse... but it all depends on you and what you like.
Its trial and error - start by reading homepages of the distros, and read.
If you don't like the first one you try, try anather.

Try looking for one with good SATA support - that might make the install
easier.

Windows compatible???? nope. Theres no windows compatability here.
Its linux.... I find myself thinking why windows isn't more linux like.

answered or helped? good luck
-tw

Sometimes I wonder if this thought ever goes through Bill Gates head? :D
I know it goes through mine every now and then.

well i personally think mepis is good for newbies just because it has wine already installed (wine is a windows emulator that can run some windows programs) and its a live-cd so you dont lose anything on your hard drive when you test it out :)

just my $2

If windows software is important to you, them racethesun made an excellenet suggestion.