1) Search the HCL (hardware compatibility list) or google for an answer to your question "does linux support..." Probably does, but it's always better make sure; I'd google for those hardware names if they are
not compatible with any Linux distribution.
2) Actually "Linux" means just the kernel. Nearly all, if not all, Linuxes are based to the same kernel sources (don't blame my knowledge, it's limited like everyone else's, so there might be some other sources) so the kernels are the same. It's the applications that come along, and the way the whole system is constructed (ie where certain files are placed, how you manage services etc.) that builds up a distribution. So after all, it does not matter that much which one you pick. I suggest installing one that has a
package manager so you don't have to solve dependencies manually when installing new software (so you'll just have to run one command to get the app); some, especially older, distributions might not have one. Probably all the distributions of today do have a package manager. Then you should pick a distribution that's easy to start with (installing Gentoo might not be the easiest thing for a newbie, but when you get into things, it might be interesting). My suggestions for you are
Ubuntu Linux, Fedora Core or SuSE. Google and the websites of those distributions give you more information about what kind of dudes they are and how they differ (Ubuntu is a Debian-based, Fedora is RedHat-based etc.)
Ubuntu is easy to install, user-friendly (if Linux is), nice, has a lot of apps ready for you in it's reposities on the net, has a very easy-to-use package manager (works way better than that of Fedora's, yum, for example) and the newest version (stable comes out next month) is very nice. Try the Live-CD of Ubuntu out, if you like.
Just don't give up for small problems; most of us do have problems starting the use of Linux, but they'll solve out with the support of other users. I hope you a nice stay with Linux
