I recommend using BitTorrent to download Linux ISO images. BitTorrent automatically checks every pieces of data that it is receiving, so you do need to run an md5sum utility. I suggest Azureus for a BitTorrent client. It is JAVA based which means you do not have to find another program that works in Linux because JAVA based programs works in an OS that Sun Microsystems have ported JAVA to.

When installing and using Linux below is what you should do if possible.
1) Go into the BIOS and use fail-safe settings
2) Go back in the BIOS and set...
a) hard drive to LBA (assuming there is no data on the hard drive)
b) check the processor to find out if it is set at its proper speed
c) video to use an IRQ
3) IRQ to BIOS instead of the OS
3) For systems that have PCMCIA (PC Card), include nopcmcia at the boot line
4) noapic may have to be included at the boot line
5) notebook computers may have to use framebuffering for video and make sure you know the native resolution of the LCD.

The do nots for Linux
1) Wireless PCI NIC
2) Wireless inputs (keyboard, mouse, etc)
3) Aggressive memory settings
4) Overclocking processor
5) Use USB ADSL modem
5) Use USB 56Kbit modem or internal win-modem (except US Robotics or 3com)

I suggest either Gentoo or Slackware. GUI utilities that Redhat, Fedora, SUSE, and many others makes it hard to use when the GUI can not start up. Both Gentoo and Slackware are easier than a lot of people think. Both uses BSD style init scripts and they provide config files that are easy to edit. Though, probably Gentoo is the only distribution that will better for your hardware because you can choose what hardware you want to enable in the kernel which a lot distributions may leave out.

Any distribution that comes with Xorg 7 or higher already comes with ATI video card support with 3D hardware rendering. Also it comes with Rage Theater support if your computer comes with this hardware.

I suggest using XFce4 if you do not want icons on desktop and it is very light-weight. Both KDE and GNOME have icons on the desktop.

Off Topic:
Global Warminig is already solved. There are too many people saying YES and NO and the poll is a draw. If we do not use any fossil fuels for a century, Global Warming will significantly be lowered although nature will eventually go into another ice age with out us being the cause. When I played SIMCITY 2000, my goal is to use hydraelectric plants. After I have placed enough dams to create electricity, there is a a surplus of electric and these plants do not break down even when tornadoes shows up. SIMCITY 2000 is just a game, but it actually shows we can get electricity from natural sources like water, light, wind, and the latest wave energy from the ocean.

People do not like a cut and dry answer. People like answers with the least amount of cons and that is cheaply done.

Originally posted by curlyg:
Jack Daniels and Coke! mmmmmmm..... nice!

AFAIK Linux drivers aren't going to work in Windows so, yes, you could lose your video altogether if you try installing that. It may not even install, can't really say.

I would have thought that, in the absence of the correct video driver, any Linux install would have selected some generic (VGA?) driver and left you to configure X-windows post-install. Of course, having the actual driver for your graphics card is desirable in that you get to use all its features.

I don't know, are you convinced the video driver is the problem?

BTW, the only thing I know about global warming is that the UK government is rubbing its hands at all the new taxes it can come up with.

I also know that the extra revenue won't get spent on the environment (ah me, I'm becoming such a cynic).

I'm back, and using Ubuntu 6.1. It installed "out of the box". I had to configure my wireless connection, and I have a resolution issue but I'll take that up with the Ubuntu forum. I will after a fashion try to figure out why Pclinuxos or Knoppix wouldn't boot. Ubuntu seems to have all my hardware working correctly. Let me get my resolution thing worked out, and I'll be back for advice on a dual boot setup.
Thanks to all for your suggestions and help.
George