Here is a suggestion that works quite well for me...
If you want to try out a Linux disto and see what sorts of hardware trouble you might have with your box running Linux, why not try Knoppix? It runs from a CD, loads faster than Redhat, and seems to do a better job detecting hardware... Hey, it's free, it only takes one CD worth of download to try, and it worked without a hitch for me.
http://www.knoppix.net/get.php
Also, here is a good review of Knoppix:
http://www.distrowatch.com/dwres.php...review-knoppix
Have fun!