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I'm using windows xp right now. I'm on the borderline on downloading linux but I have some questions. I share a computer with my family. Is it possible to only use it on my account? Also will I lose all my documents and itunes library when I download linux. Thanks!

You can dual boot with windows xp if you like(or for that matter any windows os that I know of). They have made it super easy to do so when you put the disk in. As far as the rest of the family and linux, I have puppy on my kids computer and they don't mind at all. For end users that surf the web, play games and check email there really isn't a whole lot of difference minus the threat of viruses invading your computer.

As long as you've got enough free space on your hard drive, you can install linux on a separate partition, which will keep your windows installation and data intact.
First you need to make sure that you have/created a separate partition where you'll install linux. When installed correctly, linux won't touch your windows data, the problem
might arise if you make a mistake during the installation process. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that first you backup your windows data.
This tutorial should guide you through the installation process.
http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_w...lled_first.htm

Once set up, you'll be able to choose which operating system you want to start at the boot time.

I'm not that good with computers so a little simpler of terms might be nice.

In your case, it sounds like you need to virtualize linux, so as to not mess with other users experience on the family computer.

Download "VirtualBox"

Install some Linux Distro into VirtualBox

Mess around with it, see how it works and such. Then shut it down when you are finished.

Are you trying to learn more about computers and linux? Are you interested in learning about computers and linux?

If your answer was no to the above I would say leave everything alone and use Windows XP.

If your truly interested in tinkering and getting to know linux, maybe your best bet would be to install it on a usb thumb drive? This was when you use the computer you can boot from the USB and use linux. When you family uses the computer they can boot to windows. Best of all you wont hurt your windows xp install.

How to install Ubuntu on a USB drive:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...n/FromUSBStick

To begin how many free space do have on you're hard drive ?
How much space may linux use ?
How much linux need depends on what you like to install .
If you have decide how much space linux may use defrag you're windows drive .
Second backup you're data to be on the save side
Make free space for linux .
Install linux on the free space .
If you decide to install GRUB in MBR than you get a dual boot .
Meaning when the computer boots up you have the choice to run linux or windows.

so basiclly run it as a normal program in xp but it'll look like linux and act like linux.

Another option is to run it from a live CD to try it out first. There are a lot of live CDs available, a beginner friendly architecture is Ubuntu, download and follow instructions here
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Good luck, and have fun!

Quick guide to dual-booting:

1: Disable page file. Right click My Computer => Properties => Advanced => Performance: Settings => Advanced => Virtual memory: Change => check No paging file => click Set => OK => OK => OK

2: Reboot.

3: Defragment.

4: Resize. Use partitioning software on any live Linux CD or DVD. Leave unallocated space. Use actual installation CD or DVD to create and format Linux partitions.

5: Restore page file.

6: Restart with whatever distro CD/DVD you've chosen.