how to transfer files from MS desktop to Linux.
 

I just bought a new laptop (that of obviously came preinstalled w/ Vista). I am new to computers in genral but like almost everyone else is sick of MS. Although I do want to run MS inside of linux (so I can run any prog. that Linux will not support) I want linux as my primary OS.
How do I transfer everything from my vista desktop to linux. Also, is I-tunes compatible?
I would also like to create a desktop w/ all my icons integrated into my wall paper. For instance, if I have a picture of four circles on a blank background one circle would be my internet exp. and another... I would like any text to be hidden unless say, I right click or whatever.
Thanks in advance for any help.

If you want to run Linux and just emulate Windows, then you'll want to backup whatever data you need from Vista and then format your HDD for a fresh Linux install. The first step is deciding which distribution of Linux you'll want to run. There is a multitude of posts and search results comparing distros, so researching that shouldn't be too hard.

You'll want to install a program called 'Wine' to run Windows programs on Linux.

iTunes is not directly Linux compatible. However, you can either try to run it using Wine or use Songbird, an open-source iTunes replacement (which I like much better).

I recommend you try Linux with a Live CD (won't change anything on your system) and if your are satisfied, don't erase Windows but install Linux alongside Windows. You can be given the possibility of choosing which system to use at boot time (this is what is called "dual-boot"). This is simpler and faster than to run Windows in a virtual machine. Only caveat is at a given point of time you will be using one of the two systems, not both.

Whilst I personally prefer Slackware I suggest you install Ubuntu which may be easier for beginners. See this page.

I recommend reading this thread. You'll get some idea about the advantages and disadvantages of dual-booting and virtual machines, and you'll get some recommendations for distro choosing.